Endothelial lipase

Endothelial lipase (LIPG) is a form of lipase secreted by vascular endothelial cells in tissues with high metabolic rates and vascularization, such as the liver, lung, kidney, and thyroid gland.^[1] The LIPG enzyme is a vital component to many biological processes. These processes include lipoprotein metabolism, cytokine expression, and lipid composition in cells.^[1] Unlike the lipases that hydrolyze Triglycerides, endothelial lipase primarily hydrolyzes phospholipids.^[1] Due to the hydrolysis specificity, endothelial lipase contributes to multiple vital systems within the body. On the contrary to the beneficial roles that LIPG plays within the body, endothelial lipase is thought to play a potential role in cancer and inflammation.^[1] Knowledge obtained in vitro and in vivo suggest the relations to these conditions, but human interaction knowledge lacks due to the recent discovery of endothelial lipase.^[2] Endothelial lipase was first characterized in 1999.^[3] The two independent research groups which are notable for this discovery cloned the endothelial lipase gene and identified the novel lipase secreted from endothelial cells.^[2] The anti-Atherosclerosis opportunity through alleviating plaque blockage and prospective ability to raise High-density lipoprotein (HDL) have gained endothelial lipase recognition.^[4]