Lipase is ... The level of lipase in the blood: the norm

Lipase is a water-soluble enzyme that synthesizes the human body. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of insoluble esters, and also promotes neutral fats to be digested, dissolved and fractionated.

Main Function

The enzyme lipase together with bile promotes digestion of fats, as well as fatty acids. It participates in the processing of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D, K and transforms them into heat and energy.

Lipase in the blood splits triglycerides (lipids). Due to this, fatty acids are delivered directly to the tissues of the body.

Which organs produce lipase

In the human body, the enzyme lipase is produced:

• In the pancreas;
• In the liver;
• In the lungs;
• In the intestine.

In addition, the enzyme is produced in infants in the oral cavity due to special glands. Children develop a synthesis of lingual lipase, which acts on milk fats.

Each organ supplies a specific enzyme that breaks down strictly defined groups of fats.

Purpose of lipase in the human body

So, the main mission of lipase of any type is the processing of fats, their splitting and fractionation. Also, this substance actively participates in the energy exchange, promotes the absorption of polyunsaturated fatty acids, certain vitamins.

The most important enzyme is the pancreas. Pancreatic lipase is an enzyme by which lipids are absorbed completely and fully. It enters the digestive tract, where, under the action of colipase, which is also an enzyme of the pancreas, it combines with bile acids and is converted into an active form. Pancreatic lipase plays an important role - it cleaves triglycerides (neutral fats) into two components: glycerol and higher fatty acids.

Differences of different types of lipase

As noted above, different types of lipase interact with certain types of fats.

Hepatic lipase works with low-density lipoproteins. It is the regulator of the content of plasma lipids.

Gastric lipase actively cleaves tributyrin oil. Lingual participates in the cleavage of fats contained in breast milk.

Norm and deviation

By the level of how much lipase is present in the blood, one can judge the state of the human body. Deviations in the direction of increase or decrease allow doctors to identify diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, for complaints of ailments, doctors prescribe a general analysis. Lipase - what is it: the norm or the deviation? There are certain common criteria.

1. In adults, regardless of sex, who turned 17 years old, the index of lipase per 1 milliliter of blood should be from 0 to 190 units.
2. For children and adolescents, this indicator is slightly lower and normally should fit in the range from 0 to 130 units.
3. If the level of pancreatic lipase is studied, then the norm will be 13-60 units of enzyme per 1 ml of blood. All that is higher than these indicators, indicates a malfunction in the work of the body.

If the indicators exceed the norm

If the lipase is increased, is it worth it to sound an alarm? Yes, this fact must certainly be paid the closest attention. And only the doctor with the help of tests and additional methods of examination can make an accurate diagnosis. After all, lipase is an enzyme that participates in many metabolic processes, and only the specialist can determine what organ is affected.

Lipase is increased with such diseases:

1. Pancreatitis. This enzyme becomes more with acute forms of the disease, as well as during the exacerbation of the chronic process.
2. Biliary colic.
3. Trauma to the pancreas, as a rule, is accompanied by a sharp rise of this enzyme.
4. Neoplasms in the pancreas.
5. Chronic gallbladder pathologies contribute to a large volume of lipase production.
6. Presence of a cyst in the pancreas.
7. Occlusion of pancreatic duct with stone or scar.
8. Intrahepatic cholestasis.
9. Acute intestinal obstruction.
10. Peritonitis.
11. Infarction of the intestine.
12. Perforated stomach ulcers.
13. Perforation of internal organs.
14. Parotitis.

As you can see the list of diseases in which the level of lipase in the blood rises, it is very large. Add to it many more metabolic disorders in the body that accompany diabetes mellitus, gout or obesity, as well as cirrhosis of the liver or long-term improper intake of medications, and the list will double again. It is worth remembering that lipase is an enzyme that actively participates in the metabolic process, so any operation can also provoke its increased production in the body.

Therefore, you should never make a diagnosis yourself, solely by analysis and having read medical books. Only an expert, relying on a set of other studies, can accurately identify the cause of the pathology and develop correct recommendations for treatment.

Important nuances

Sometimes lipase begins to be intensively developed after the traumas suffered. With the fracture of the tubular bones , an increase in this enzyme in the blood is observed. And doctors are also well aware of this.

The level of lipase is very important to pinpoint when the pancreas is affected. If the blood levels of amylase (an enzyme that breaks down the starch) are too high, then the doctor with great confidence can diagnose pancreatic pathology.

As soon as it is possible to remove the inflammation from the diseased organ, both these indicators come back to normal. However, amylase is restored much faster. But lipase for a long time may be higher than normal.

At the same time, the amount of enzyme does not increase immediately. If pancreatitis has begun, then in the first day the lipase indices are still in the permissible norm. Very rarely they rise immediately. Usually by analysis, the disease is determined only on the third day.

After the onset of the inflammatory process, a high level of lipase is observed from three to seven days. And only then the indicators gradually fall.

Particular attention should be paid if the lipase level is exceeded 10 or more times. Physicians consider such indicators extremely unfavorable. In this case, immediate treatment is required.

Reduced amount of lipase in the blood

A high content of lipase indicates a serious malfunction in the body. But its reduced content also indicates some serious diseases.

A low level of this enzyme is observed:

• If the body has a malignant neoplasm, not only in the gastrointestinal tract.
• If the function of the pancreas is reduced.
• With cystic fibrosis (or otherwise cystic fibrosis). This is a serious genetic disease with relapses, requiring long treatment. It arises from the pathological lesion of the glands of external secretion.
• After surgery, when the pancreas is removed.
• Because of malnutrition, when the diet contains a large amount of fatty foods.

Also, doctors note that if the level of lipase is long lowered, this may indicate that pancreatitis has passed into a chronic form.

If you have problems with metabolism, with the gastrointestinal tract, monitoring the level of lipase in the blood is simply necessary. This is an important indicator that will allow to detect the disease in time and start timely treatment.