Lysosomal acid lipase regulates VLDL synthesis and insulin sensitivity in mice.

Aims/hypothesis: Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) hydrolyses cholesteryl esters and triacylglycerols (TG) within lysosomes to mobilise NEFA and cholesterol. Since LAL-deficient (Lal (-/-) ) mice suffer from progressive loss of adipose tissue and severe accumulation of lipids in hepatic lysosomes, we hypothesised that LAL deficiency triggers alternative energy pathway(s).

Methods: We studied metabolic adaptations in Lal (-/-) mice.