[Hormone-sensitive lipase/cholesteryl esterase from the adrenal cortex - structure, regulation and role in steroid hormone synthesis].

Hormone-sensitive lipase/cholesteryl esterase (HSL), encoded by LIPE gene, plays a very important role in the metabolism of acylglycerols in the adipose tissue and cholesteryl esters in the adrenal cortex, gonads and placenta. Isoforms of this enzyme supply fatty acids, important energy substrates, and free cholesterol required for steroid hormone synthesis. Recent discoveries on hormonal regulation of HSL synthesis with special emphasis given to the regulation of LIPE gene expression, its tissue-specific promoters and activation of the gene products by phosphorylation, as well as the role of HSL in the metabolism of cholesteryl esters were reviewed. In the concluding remarks, the gaps in our knowledge of the metabolism of acylglyceroles and cholesteryl esters, as well as the possibility of effects, synergic with HSL, influencing metabolism of these compounds were discussed.