hasnyálmirigylipáz

Hasnyálmirigylipáz, also known as pancreatic lipase, is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats. It is produced and secreted by the exocrine cells of the pancreas into the small intestine. Once in the small intestine, pancreatic lipase works in conjunction with bile salts, which are produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile salts emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets. This emulsification increases the surface area of the fats, allowing pancreatic lipase to more efficiently hydrolyze them.

The primary function of pancreatic lipase is to break down triglycerides, the main form of dietary fat, into their constituent components: fatty acids and monoglycerides. These smaller molecules can then be absorbed by the cells lining the small intestine. Without sufficient pancreatic lipase activity, fat digestion and absorption would be significantly impaired, leading to malabsorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Conditions like cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis can lead to a deficiency in pancreatic lipase. Measuring pancreatic lipase levels in blood or stool can be used as a diagnostic tool for certain pancreatic disorders.