The pancreas is an organ, located in the abdomen, which produces and secretes several hormones and digestive enzymes, including an enzyme called lipase that is necessary to break down fats to free fatty acids. A disease called cystic fibrosis interferes with the release of the lipase enzyme, while an excessive secretion of lipase can lead to pancreatitis.
Functions of the Pancreas
The pancreas has two main functions: The endocrine function involves the production and secretion of the somatostatin, glucagon and insulin hormones. The exocrine function involves the production and secretion of sodium bicarbonate and the digestive enzymes amylase, trypsin and lipase. Enzymes are proteins that speed up the time of a reaction, and it is the lipase enzyme that breaks down fats to free fatty acids.
The Lipase Enzyme
When food passes from the stomach to the first part of the small intestines, the small intestines releases a hormone called cholecystokinin. The cholecystokinin hormone, in turn, stimulates the pancreas to release amylase, trypsin and lipase. The digestion of fat then takes place in the small intestines due to the lipase enzyme. Because fats do not dissolve in water, the fats are first broken up into small droplets. This increases the amount of area where the lipase enzyme can work and the fats are successfully broken down.
Cystic Fibrosis and Lipase
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease caused by a mutation on chromosome 7. The mutation affects glands, such as the salivary glands, sweat glands and intestinal glands, and affects ducts in the liver and pancreas. People with this disease develop a very thick, sticky mucus material that builds up and collects throughout the lungs and pancreas. The mucus interferes with the secretion of lipase, resulting in fatty, oily bowel movements and a deficiency of the fat-soluble vitamins D, A, K and E.
Pancreatitis and Lipase
Pancreatitis is the medical term for the inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis, or a sudden attack of pancreatitis, is usually caused by the heavy use of alcohol or gallstones. Those with pancreatitis may have nausea and vomiting, and a sudden pain in the abdomen that spreads to the left side and back. The damage to the pancreas is different from the damage of cystic fibrosis. In pancreatitis, damage to the cells that secrete lipase can cause them to secrete three times the normal amount.
References
- "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2011"; Stephen McPhee, M.D., Maxine Papadakis, M.D.; 2011
- "Handbook of Pathophysiology"; Elizabeth Corwin, MSN, Ph.D., FNP; 2000
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library; Cystic Fibrosis; August 2008
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