Pancreatic lipase

Pancreatic lipase, also known as pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase, is secreted from the is_associated_with::pancreas, and is the primary is_associated_with::lipase (is_associated_with::enzyme) that is_associated_with::hydrolyzes (breaks down) dietary is_associated_with::fat is_associated_with::molecules in the human digestive system, converting is_associated_with::triglyceride substrates found in ingested oils to is_associated_with::monoglycerides and is_associated_with::free fatty acids.


 * Triacylglycerol + 2 H2O $$\rightleftharpoons$$ 2-monoacylglycerol + 2 fatty acid anions

is_associated_with::Bile salts secreted from the is_associated_with::liver and stored in is_associated_with::gallbladder are released into the is_associated_with::duodenum, where they coat and emulsify large fat droplets into smaller droplets, thus increasing the overall is_associated_with::surface area of the fat, which allows the lipase to break apart the fat more effectively. The resulting is_associated_with::monomers (2 free fatty acids and one 2-monoacylglycerol) are then moved by way of is_associated_with::peristalsis along the is_associated_with::small intestine to be absorbed into the is_associated_with::lymphatic system by a specialized vessel called a is_associated_with::lacteal. This protein belongs to is_associated_with::pancreatic lipase family.

Unlike some pancreatic enzymes that are activated by is_associated_with::proteolytic cleavage (e.g., is_associated_with::trypsinogen), pancreatic lipase is secreted in its final form. However, it becomes efficient only in the presence of is_associated_with::colipase in the is_associated_with::duodenum.

In humans, pancreatic lipase is encoded by the PNLIP is_associated_with::gene.

Diagnostic importance
Pancreatic lipase is secreted into the is_associated_with::duodenum through the duct system of the pancreas. Its concentration in serum is normally very low. Under extreme disruption of pancreatic function, such as is_associated_with::pancreatitis or pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the pancreas may begin to autolyse and release pancreatic enzymes including pancreatic lipase into serum. Thus, through measurement of serum concentration of pancreatic lipase, acute pancreatitis can be diagnosed.