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 Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) is an enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. LPL can, among others, be found in the epithelium of the adipose tissue, liver and muscles. It can bind to passing fat containing lipoproteins like VLDL's and Chylomicrons. Hydrolysed fatty acids can be absorbed by the cells.
Fat cells are different
Inside fat cells, the fatty acids will be esterified into triglycerides (fat). In other cells, e.g. muscles, the fatty acids are mostly used for fuel. Each cell type can have different LPL-activity. The more active the LPL, the more fat the cell will absorb.
Insulin drives the LPL-activity
Insulin drives the activity of LPL. This depends on the kind of tissue and location. In adipose tissue, the insulin will increase the activity. In muscles, the insulin lowers the LPL-activity. When the insulin level is elevated, the fat will be stored in the adipose tissue and the muscles are stimulated to absorb glucose and no fatty acids. When the insulin level drops, the LPL-activity of the fat cells lowers and the LPL-activity of the muscles goes up. Fat cells release the fatty acids and other cells will absorb this for fuel.
Hormones
Under the influence of insulin but also other hormones, more fat is stored on one place than the other. Due to hormones, the spread of fat in men is different than in women. This also changes with age. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the distribution of fat changes as well.
Differences between women and men
Women have more LPL-activity than man. Overweight and obesity occur more often in women than men. The LPL-activity in men is higher in the abdomen, in women on the hips, in the thighs and the bottom. After the menopause, the LPL-activity in women will increase in the abdomen area as well.
Sex hormones in men
LPL-activity is also influenced by sex hormones. Testosterone suppresses the LPL-activity in the abdomen, but has no influence on the hips, thighs and bottom. The (in)famous "masculine" beer belly is mostly the consequence of a high insulin level and a low level of testosterone. Due to the action of insulin, testosterone levels can gradually lower as the years go by.
Sex hormones in women
Progesterone, a female sex hormone, increases LPL-activity, mainly on the level of the hips, thighs and bottom. Estrogen, another female sex hormone, lowers LPL-activity. This is the reason why women often get fatter after the menopause, the production of estrogen at that time decreases strongly.
Carbs increase LPL-activity and make obviously fat
A diet high in carbohydrates increases the insulin level and therefore the LPL-activity in the adipose tissue. So an abundance of carbs will make you fat. And this especially on the places you don't want it to show.
More interesting articles about the relation between lifestyle, food and health, visit our website CutTheCarb
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