LIPASE

Description

  • < 60 U/L

Clinical significance

  • Lipase is measured to evaluate pancreas function. It is an enzyme secreted by the pancreas into the small intestines. 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.
  • 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 breakdown dietary fats, greasy, light-coloured stools ensue; this condition is called Steatorrhoea. As with amylase, lipase appears in the blood following damage to the pancreatic acinar cells.
  • All cell membranes and other structures are made up of lipids, thus an adequate supply of essential fatty acids in the diet is important to ensue viable cells. Because lipase requires the coenzyme, chloride, lipase deficient people have a tendency towards hypochlorhydria (low chlorides in 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 spasm. 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.

When to get tested

  • When there is s/s of Pancreatic disorder ( severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back or gets worse after eating, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice , Rapid pulse, Steatorrhoea)

Elevated level

  • Pancreatitis
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Cholecystitis (with secondary effect on the pancreas)
  • Perforated Peptic Ulcer

Decreased level

  • Cystic fibrosis

Profile

Others

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