Gastric and pancreatic lipases (HGL/PNLIP)

Gastric and pancreatic lipases are essential digestive enzymes responsible for the breakdown of dietary fats in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastric lipase (LIPF), secreted by gastric chief cells, initiates lipid digestion in the acidic environment of the stomach, while pancreatic lipase (PNLIP) performs the majority of triglyceride hydrolysis in the small intestine (UniProt P07098; UniProt P16233). These enzymes are primary therapeutic targets for the management of obesity; for instance, the drug orlistat acts as a potent, reversible inhibitor of both gastric and pancreatic lipases by forming a covalent bond with their active serine sites (PubMed PMID: 10902757). By preventing the hydrolysis of triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides, these inhibitors reduce caloric intake from dietary fat. Conversely, in conditions such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, exogenous lipase preparations are administered as replacement therapy to prevent malabsorption and steatorrhea (StatPearls, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency). Clinical use of lipase inhibitors is often associated with gastrointestinal side effects and requires monitoring for fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (FDA, Xenical Prescribing Information).

Other names

Gastric triacylglycerol lipasePancreatic triacylglycerol lipaseSteapsinTributyraseLIPFPNLIPAcid lipase

Inhibition of gastric and pancreatic lipases by covalent binding to the active serine site, preventing the hydrolysis of dietary triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides (PubMed PMID: 10902757).