Salivary amylase activity: A potential modulator of glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and appetite regulation

Abstract

This review examines the potential mechanisms by which SAA may influence glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity, emphasizing that current evidence is largely correlational and requires further investigation to establish causality. Salivary α-amylase (SAA), a key enzyme in the breakdown of dietary starch, has emerged as a potential regulator of glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and appetite control. Beyond its primary role in carbohydrate digestion, growing evidence highlights the influence of SAA on metabolic processes through its impact on early glucose release and its interaction with hormonal signaling pathways. This review examines the mechanisms by which SAA may affect insulin secretion and appetite regulation, focusing on its involvement in in incretin and other gut hormone-mediated pathways. Despite challenges posed by interindividual variability in SAA activity, its potential utility as a biomarker for metabolic health remains promising. Future research should prioritize uncovering the mechanistic links between SAA activity and metabolic outcomes, as well as establishing standardized protocols for its evaluation in both clinical and research contexts.