Lipases
Lipases
Lipases (pronounced: /ˈlaɪpeɪz/, from the Greek words 'lipos' meaning fat and 'ase' meaning enzyme) are a subclass of the enzyme family that catalyze the hydrolysis of fats (lipids). They play a crucial role in the process of digestion, metabolism, and the transport of dietary lipids in most, if not all, living organisms.
Function
Lipases perform essential roles in the digestion, transport, and processing of dietary lipids in most, if not all, living organisms. In the human body, lipases are involved in diverse biological processes ranging from routine metabolism of dietary triglycerides to participation in complex cellular events such as inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.
Classification
Lipases are generally classified based on their functional site of action. There are three main types:
- Carboxyl ester lipase (also known as bile salt-stimulated lipase) that acts at the carboxyl end of the fat molecule.
- Phospholipase that acts on phospholipids, which are a type of lipid that makes up the cell membrane.
- Triacylglycerol lipase that acts on triacylglycerols, the main component of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as vegetable fat.
Medical Relevance
Lipases are medically significant as they can indicate the presence of diseases such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and lipase deficiency. Elevated levels of lipase in the blood can indicate the presence of pancreatitis, while decreased levels can suggest cystic fibrosis or lipase deficiency.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lipases
- Wikipedia's article - Lipases
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