Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Analysis of Fluorescent-Stained Lipid Droplets with 3D Reconstruction for Hepatic Steatosis Assessment
07:12

Analysis of Fluorescent-Stained Lipid Droplets with 3D Reconstruction for Hepatic Steatosis Assessment

Published on: June 2, 2023

Hepatic lipase: friend or foe and under what circumstances?

Hans Jansen1

  • 1Department of Clinical Chemistry (Room 175), ErasmusMC, Postbus 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands. H.Jansen@ErasmusMC.nl

Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|August 7, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Hepatic lipase (HL) influences lipoprotein metabolism, showing both pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic effects. Its role in atherosclerosis depends on conditions like hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia.

Area of Science:

  • Lipid metabolism
  • Cardiovascular disease research
  • Enzymology

Background:

  • Hepatic lipase (HL) is involved in the metabolism of lipoproteins, including chylomicron remnants, VLDL, LDL, and HDL.
  • These lipoproteins are critically implicated in the development of atherosclerosis.
  • HL exhibits a dual role, possessing both pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the complex role of hepatic lipase (HL) in lipoprotein metabolism.
  • To analyze the pro- and anti-atherogenic effects of HL under different physiological conditions.
  • To discuss the modulation of HL's atherogenic potential by other factors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on hepatic lipase function.
  • Analysis of HL's impact on lipoprotein profiles during hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia.
  • Discussion of interactions with other key proteins in lipid transport.

Main Results:

  • During hypertriglyceridemia, HL's effects (e.g., promoting small, dense LDL and lowering HDL) appear pro-atherogenic.
  • During hypercholesterolemia, HL's effects (e.g., stimulating reverse cholesterol transport) seem anti-atherogenic.
  • The net effect of HL on atherosclerosis is influenced by factors like LDL receptor, CETP, LPL, and ABCA1.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatic lipase has a context-dependent role in atherogenesis.
  • Understanding HL's dual function is crucial for developing targeted therapies for cardiovascular disease.
  • Further research into HL modulation by other factors is warranted.

More Related Videos

Assessing Whole-Body Lipid-Handling Capacity in Mice07:57

Assessing Whole-Body Lipid-Handling Capacity in Mice

Published on: November 24, 2020

Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation06:47

Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation

Published on: January 28, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Lipid Absorption01:24

Lipid Absorption

Dietary triglycerides from chyme in the duodenum are mixed with bile salts produced by the liver to emulsify fats. As a result, large droplets are broken down into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for enzymatic action. Once emulsified, pancreatic lipases hydrolyze the triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides.
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Lipid Digestion01:06

Lipid Digestion

Lipids are large molecules that are generally not water-soluble. Since most of the digestive enzymes in the human body are water-based, there are specific steps the body must take to break down lipids and make them available for use.
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...