Pancreatic lipase is a water-soluble enzyme secreted by the pancreas. Like other lipases, its function is to break down lipids (fats) in the intestinal tract. However, unlike other pancreatic enzymes, such as trypsinogen and chymotrypsin, pancreatic lipase is secreted in pancreatic “juice” as an active enzyme and doesn’t need to undergo conversion to digest lipids. In addition, this enzyme possesses the ability to break down dietary fats via hydrolysis by breaking hydrogen bonds.

One of the primary tasks of pancreatic lipase is to break down triglycerides. This is critical since these particular lipids cannot be absorbed through the intestinal lining without first undergoing hydrolysis. The mechanism of pancreatic lipase is to act as a catalyst to promote the conversion of triglycerides into 2-monoglyceride and fatty acids. However, successful hydrolysis of triglycerides is dependent on the adequate availability of bile salts provided by the liver.

Excessive production of pancreatic lipase may indicate the presence of certain disorders, most notably inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis. Elevated levels also occur with bowel obstruction, peptic ulcers, or kidney disease. On the other hand, diminished levels may suggest that the cells of the pancreas responsible for manufacturing this enzyme are irreversibly damaged. Panreactic lipase monitoring is also used to help diagnose Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease. However, certain medications are known to temporarily increase levels, such as morphine and codeine.

People who are concerned with losing weight may be more than familiar with human pancreatic lipase and what it does. That’s because several dieting products have surfaced that boast the ability to block the activity of this enzyme in order to inhibit the absorption of fats. In fact, orlistat (Xenical®) is a prescription medication that prevents up to 30 percent of dietary fats, including triglycerides, from being absorbed through the intestines. This results in a reduction in total calorie intake and, subsequently, weight loss.

Researchers have learned about a few other unique properties of pancreatic lipase by studying hibernating squirrels. While this enzyme is normally found in the intestines, it is found in great concentration in the hearts of these animals, but only from late fall until early spring. Apparently, after completing the job of digesting dietary fats for storage during the big sleep, the enzyme takes up residence in the heart to help it function while body temperature and oxygen levels dramatically decline. What is particularly interesting about this is that most other enzymes are rendered inactive below certain temperatures, while pancreatic lipase retains about 30 percent of its activity.