Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL)

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is the central enzyme in plasma triglyceride hydrolysis and is secreted by macrophages in the subendothelial space. Evidence has been provided that LPL produced by macrophages in the vessel wall exerts proatherogenic effects. The atherogenic effects of LPL have been mainly attributed to its ability to favor lipid accumulation within macrophages present in the atherosclerotic lesion. Recently, it has also been shown that LPL promote the development of atherosclerosis through facilitation of monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, stimulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF ) secretion and induction of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.