New aspects on the role of plasma lipases in lipoprotein catabolism and atherosclerosis.

The function of lipoprotein lipase (LpL) and hepatic lipase (HL) has been related to atherogenesis by several authors in the past, but convincing experimental and epidemiological evidence to support this hypothesis has been obtained only in the last years. For both enzymes, next to their role in the hydrolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, a second important function has been described recently. Both lipases can mediate the binding and subsequent uptake of lipoproteins into cells. Although this function has been clearly demonstrated in vitro for various cell types, the physiological or pathophysiological relevance remains hypothetical until final elucidation in vivo.