Lipase inhibitors are substances used to reduce the activity of lipases found in the intestine. Lipases are secreted by the pancreas when fat is present. The primary role of lipase inhibitors is to decrease the gastrointestinal absorption of fats. Fats then tend to be excreted in feces rather than being absorbed to be used as a source of caloric energy, and this can result in weight loss in individuals.[1] These inhibitors could be used for the treatment of obesity, which can subsequently lead to Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases if not managed. An example of a lipase inhibitor is orlistat.[2] Show Mechanism[edit]Lipase inhibitors may affect the amount of fat absorbed, yet they do not block the absorption of a particular type of fat.[1] Likewise, lipase inhibitors are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Lipase inhibitors bind to lipase enzymes in the intestine,[2] thus preventing the hydrolysis of dietary triglycerides into monoglycerides and fatty acids.[3] This then reduces the absorption of dietary fat.[2] Lipase inhibitors covalently bond to the active serine site on lipases. This covalent bond is strong, meaning the lipase inhibitor tends to remain attached to the lipase.[4] Studies have shown that lipase inhibitors work optimally when 40% of an individual's daily caloric intake is obtained from fat.[1][clarification needed] Orlistat tends to block absorption of 30% of total fat intake from a meal, as orlistat passes out of the digestive tract more rapidly than fat does.[2] Sources[edit]
Lipase inhibitors can be found naturally in plants and can also be produced as pharmaceutical drugs. Some lipase inhibitors have been identified in Panax ginseng.[5][6] Some active compounds with chalcone scaffold found in Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cassia mimosoides, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Boesenbergia rotunda, apples and Morus alba also had strong effect against lipase. Caffeine, theobromine and theophylline were also supposed as lipase inhibitors although there was still controversial.[7] Side effects[edit]Lipase inhibitors can cause side effects, including oily spotting, fecal incontinence, flatus with discharge[1] and abdominal cramping.[3] Additionally, a raise in blood pressure, dry mouth, constipation, headache, and insomnia have been reported.[3] Malabsorption of fat soluble vitamins may develop as a result of the impaired absorption of fat, which is required for the transportation of these vitamins across the intestine to reach the blood.[4] Since lipase inhibitors are not absorbed in the intestine, and consequently not circulating in the blood, information about alternative side effects such as the modulation[clarification needed] of the gastrointestinal tract is unobtainable.[1] Generally, side effects can be controlled by reducing the consumption of dietary fats. Overall, orlistat has been considered to be safer than other anti-obesity drugs.[2] Cautions and Considerations[edit]Because Lipase inhibitors interferes with the absorption of fat, it can also prevent the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It is recommended that multi-vitamins are taken along with Lipase inhibitors, so vitamin-deficiency doesn't occur.[8] See also[edit]
References[edit]
Which drug is a lipase inhibitor used to treat obesity?Orlistat, a weight-loss agent with a novel mechanism of action, recently was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obesity. It inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract to decrease systemic absorption of dietary fat.
What drug blocks the absorption of fat?Orlistat (Xenical) is a lipase inhibitor that prevents the absorption of dietary fat, and it has been approved as an anti‐obesity drug.
What is the drug used to treat obesity?The most commonly used medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of obesity include: Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave) Liraglutide (Saxenda) Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
What drug inhibits pancreatic lipase?Orlistat. A potent inhibitor of gastric and pancreatic lipase, orlistat (2) is a hydrogenated derivative of lipstatin, produced by Streptomyces toxytricini and acts by diminishing the absorption of dietary fat.
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