Pancreatic lipase ( pancreatic lipase , English pancreatic lipase )) ( EC 3.1.1.3 ) —- a digestive enzyme belonging to the class of hydrolases, a subclass of esterases. In action on lipids, pancreatic lipase is similar to hepatic blood lipase .
Synthesis and Role
Pancreatic lipase is synthesized in the pancreas and secreted into the lumen of the duodenum and small intestine , where it breaks down food fats — triglycerides — into glycerol and higher fatty acids . Thus, this lipase is an essential enzyme in the process of digestion of fats. Pancreatic lipase hydrolyzes fat molecules that come from food. In diseases of the pancreas, lipase activity increases significantly, and a large amount of lipase begins to be released into the blood . A decrease in lipase level can occur with cancer, in addition to pancreatic cancer, and with malnutrition (excess triglycerides in food).
See also
- Pancreas
- Esterase
- Hepatic lipase