LIPASE, FLUID

LIPASE IS AN ENZYME PRODUCED BY THE PANCREAS THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR BREAKING DOWN FATS INTO FATTY ACIDS AND GLYCEROL. IT IS SECRETED INTO THE SMALL INTESTINE, WHERE IT HELPS TO DIGEST DIETARY FATS. ELEVATED LEVELS OF LIPASE IN THE BLOOD CAN BE A SIGN OF PANCREATITIS, A CONDITION CHARACTERIZED BY INFLAMMATION OF THE PANCREAS. OTHER CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE ELEVATED LIPASE LEVELS INCLUDE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION, PANCREATIC CANCER, AND CERTAIN MEDICATIONS. MEASURING LIPASE LEVELS CAN BE HELPFUL IN DIAGNOSING AND MONITORING THESE CONDITIONS.