Hepatic triacylglycerol lipase (HL)

Hepatic triacylglycerol lipase (HL; also known as hepatic lipase or LIPC) is a liver-derived enzyme that belongs to the hydrolase class, specifically the lipase gene family[2][4]. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides and phospholipids present in circulating plasma lipoproteins, including chylomicrons, intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)[4]. HL plays a critical role in the conversion of IDL to LDL and in the remodeling of HDL particles, thereby influencing plasma lipid profiles and cholesterol transport. It is synthesized mainly by hepatocytes, bound to heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the liver and endothelial cells, with regulation by hormones and cellular cholesterol status[2][3]. HL activity impacts risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis, and can be measured clinically via plasma assays post-heparin injection[1][3][4]. Genetic variants of the LIPC gene can affect HL function and are associated with variability in lipid phenotypes and cardiovascular risk[2].

Other names

Hepatic lipaseLIPCLipase CHL

Hydrolyzes triglycerides and phospholipids in circulating lipoproteins Facilitates conversion of intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Modulates high-density lipoprotein (HDL) maturation and remodeling[1][3][4]