LIPASE

Clinical Significance:

This test may be measured to evaluate pancreas function. Lipase is a digestive enzyme that hydrolyzes lipids, the ester bonds in triglycerides, to form fatty acids and glycerol. It is produced in the pancreas, salivary glands, as well as by gastric, pulmonary, and intestinal mucosa. Lipase is an enzyme secreted by the pancreas into the small intestines. It catalyzes the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids. i.e. to break down dietary fats into an absorbable form. When lipase levels are insufficient to break down dietary fats, greasy, light-colored stools ensue; this condition is called steatorrhea. As with amylase, lipase appears in the blood following damage to the pancreatic acinar cells. Pancreatin contains lipase along with two other groups of enzymes: proteases and amylase.

All cell membranes and other structures are made up of lipids, thus an adequate supply of essential fatty acids in the diet are important to ensure viable cells. Because lipase requires the coenzyme, chloride, lipase deficient people have a tendency towards hypochlorhydria (low chlorides in our electrolyte balance). Lipase deficient people have decreased cell permeability, meaning nutrients cannot get in and the waste cannot get out. A common symptom of lipase deficiency is muscle spasms. It commonly occurs as trigger point pain in the muscles across the upper shoulders, but it can occur in other muscles, such as those in the neck or anywhere in the small or large intestines including the muscles of the rectal tissues. Lipase appears in the blood together with another enzyme called amylase following damage to or diseases affecting the pancreas. Diseases involving the pancreas, however, produce much higher lipase levels than diseases of other organs. Lipase levels in pancreatic disorders are often 5-10 times higher than normal.

What abnormal values mean:
Increased levels:

• Pancreatitis
• Pancreatic cancer
• Cholecystitis (with secondary effect on the pancreas)
• Perforated peptic ulcer

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Chronic pancreatitis
• Familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency