Bile salt-stimulated lipase and pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 : key enzymes for lipid digestion in the newborn examined using the Caco-2 cell line

• In rodents, bile salt-stimulated lipase (BSSL) and pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (PLRP2) are the dominant lipases expressed in the exocrine pancreas in early life, when milk is the main food. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if BSSL and PLRP2 are also key enzymes in neonatal intestinal fat digestion. Using Caco-2 cells as a model for the small intestinal epithelium, purified human enzymes were incubated in the apical chamber with substrates and bile salt concentrations resembling the milieu of the small intestine of newborn infants. BSSL and PLRP2 hydrolyzed triglycerides (TG) to free fatty acids (FA) and glycerol. The cells took up the FA, which were reesterfied to TG. Together, BSSL and PLRP2 have a synergistic effect, increasing cellular uptake 4-fold compared to the sum of each lipase alone. A synergistic effect was also observed with retinyl ester as a substrate. PLRP2 hydrolyzed cholesteryl ester but not as efficiently as BSSL, and the two had an additive rather than synergistic effect. We conclude the key enzymes in intestinal fat digestion are different in newborns than later in life. Further studies are needed to fully understand this difference and its implication for designing optimal neonatal nutrition.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinsk bioteknologi -- Medicinsk bioteknologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Medical Biotechnology -- Medical Biotechnology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Bile acids and salts

Digestion

Fatty acid

Lipase

Nutrition

Triglycerides

Caco-2 cells

Fat

Newborn

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)