Lipases, together with amylases and proteases, constitute the three major known digestive enzymes. Its function is to digest fats and lipids, helping to maintain correct gallbladder function.
The three different types of lipases are:
*Pharyngeal lipase, which is produced in the mouth and is most active in the stomach. It is an enzyme secreted by the acinar cells of the sublingual gland that aids lipid digestion. Although found in saliva, it plays only a minimal role in breaking down lipids in the mouth.
*Hepatic lipase, which is produced by the liver and regulates the level of fats (lipids) in the blood. It is a multifunctional protein that modulates lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. Hepatic lipase functions as a lipase and as a ligand that facilitates lipoprotein uptake by cell surface receptors and proteoglycans.
*Pancreatic lipase, which is produced by the pancreas and released into the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum) to continue the digestion of fats.
Most people produce enough pancreatic lipase, but people with cystic fibrosis, Crohn disease, and celiac disease may not have enough lipase to get the nutrition they need from food.
Lipase enzyme in human body
