Lipoprotein lipase

Abstract

Despite its long history of obscurity, the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) enzyme has recently seen an uptick in interest, as indicated by a slew of peer-reviewed publications during last five years. Triglycerides present in chylomicrons (CHY) and VLDL are hydrolyzed by LPL. The tissue's parenchymal cells produce the enzyme (i.e., adipocytes, and muscle cells). It binds non-covalently to carbohydrate chains on the luminal surface of endothelial cells after passing through the capillary endothelium. Fibrates, a class of medicines for the treatment of individuals with high serum triglyceride levels benefit greatly from LPL research. Hypofunction of LPL causes hypertriglyceridemia by increasing levels of chylomicrons and VLDL. As a key risk factor for atherosclerosis, LDL cholesterol has long been recognised, but hypertriglyceridemia has recently emerged as another cause of cardiovascular disease and an added risk factor for atherosclerosis. Specifically, involvement of this enzyme in formation of LDL and HDL is explored in this chapter. Recent investigations on the lipolytic enzyme LPL have primarily been conducted since 1983 and will be discussed in this chapter.