Gastric triacylglycerol lipase and Pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (LIPF; PNLIP)

Gastric and pancreatic triacylglycerol lipases are the primary enzymes responsible for the digestion of dietary fats in the human gastrointestinal tract (UniProt P07098, P16233). Gastric lipase is secreted by the gastric mucosa and initiates lipid digestion in the acidic environment of the stomach, while pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase is secreted by the pancreas into the duodenum to complete the hydrolysis of triglycerides into monoglycerides and free fatty acids (PubMed: 17550425). These enzymes are critical for the absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. In the context of pharmacology, they are the primary targets of anti-obesity medications like Orlistat, which inhibits their activity to reduce the absorption of dietary fat by approximately 30% (StatPearls: NBK542202). This reduction in caloric intake aids in weight management and the treatment of obesity-related comorbidities. Conversely, a deficiency in these enzymes, particularly pancreatic lipase, leads to malabsorption and steatorrhea, which is managed with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (NIH: PMC3839292).

Other names

Gastric lipasePancreatic lipaseTriacylglycerol lipaseSteapsinLIPFPNLIPTributyrase

Covalent inhibition of the active site serine residue of gastric and pancreatic lipases in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the hydrolysis of dietary triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides.