Inflammation associated with the postprandial lipolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by lipoprotein lipase.

Although hypertriglyceridemia has repeatedly been implicated as an atherogenic condition, there are conflicting reports concerning the atherogenicity of products released from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by lipoprotein lipase. The hydrolysis of triglyceride is a normal process by which chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins are metabolized and cleared from the circulation, which would suggest a beneficial role for lipoprotein lipase in reducing circulating levels of triglyceride and, therefore, reducing atherosclerotic burden. However, many in vitro studies have shown that lipolysis products such as fatty acids induce vascular cell inflammation, which can initiate or exacerbate atherosclerosis. This review summarizes the results and implications of recent studies on the effects of lipoprotein lipase on vascular inflammation, expanding upon existing controversy among human postprandial studies, animal models, and in vitro experimental models.