[Lipoprotein lipase. Interest in clinical biochemistry (author's transl)]

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is an enzyme which hydrolyses triglycerides especially VLDL and chylomicrons triglycerides. The measurement of LPL can be of interest in clinical biochemistry. There is no LPL in blood circulation, but it is possible to release it by heparin intravenous injection. However, heparin releases also other enzymes, particularly hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL). It is then post-heparin lipolytic activity (PHLA) which is determined. It is possible to measure separately LPL and HTGL, by using antibodies or inhibitors so chosen to be specific to one or the other enzyme. The main variations of LPL and HTGL in various diseases or treatments at present known are reported. LPL has also been recently involved in atherosclerosis pathogeny.