protease

protease /pro·te·ase/ (pro´te-as) endopeptidase.

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pro·te·ase (prt-s, -z)

n.

Any of various enzymes, including the proteinases and peptidases, that catalyze the hydrolytic breakdown of proteins.

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protease

any proteolytic enzyme.

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protease-antiprotease imbalance

thought to play a part in the pathogenesis of emphysema by permitting excessive proteolysis, especially of elastin.

fecal protease

originate from the pancreas and include trypsin, chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidases. Proteolytic activity of the feces may be evaluated by tests that measure digestion of gelatin or casein-based substrates.

a1-protease inhibitor

a₁-antitrypsin.