[Lipoprotein lipase: a key enzyme of lipid metabolism]

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), a 55 kDa secretory glycoprotein produced in numerous tissues, is a hydrolytic enzyme, rate-limiting for the removal of lipoprotein TG from the circulation. It is activated by apoprotein CII present on TG-rich lipoproteins. It is involved in lipid transfer between lipoproteins, and plays an important role in the formation of HDL. The fate of LPL-derived lypolysis products differs between tissues: for instance, in adipose tissue, LPL-mediated delivery of free fatty acids is rate-limiting for TG storage, whereas in muscle it provides an alternate source of lipid fuel. LPL is regulated by hormones like insulin and nutrients; its activity depends on the metabolic state of the tissue. It has distinct roles in many normal tissues, such as adipocytes or muscles, as well as an important role in atherogenic dyslipidemia and in metabolic diseases including obesity and hypertriglyceridemia.