Pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PNLIP)

Pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PNLIP) is a key digestive enzyme secreted by the exocrine pancreas into the small intestine, where it plays a central role in the digestion of dietary lipids. It specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols into 2-monoacylglycerols and free fatty acids, a process that requires the presence of colipase and bile salts for optimal activity at the lipid-water interface (UniProt P16233). In the context of human health, PNLIP is a primary pharmacological target for the treatment of obesity; by inhibiting this enzyme, the absorption of dietary fat is significantly reduced, leading to a decrease in net caloric intake (StatPearls, NBK542202). Clinically, elevated levels of this enzyme in the blood are used as a biomarker for acute pancreatitis, while its deficiency is a hallmark of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (PubMed, 29070559). Drugs like Orlistat act as potent, irreversible inhibitors of PNLIP by binding to its active site serine residue, though their use is often limited by gastrointestinal side effects such as steatorrhea and the potential for fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (PubChem, CID 3034034).

Other names

Pancreatic lipasePTLSteapsinTriacylglycerol lipasePL

Inhibition of the enzyme's active site prevents the hydrolysis of dietary triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides, leading to reduced caloric intake from fats.