INFORMATION ON ACID LIPASE DISEASE

Acid lipase disease may be defined as the disease which occurs when the enzymes which are needed to break down certain fats which are normally digested by the body is lacking or missing, thus resulting in the toxic buildup of these fats in the body’s cells and tissues. These fatty substances, called lipids, include waxes, oils, and cholesterol.

CAUSES OF ACID LIPASE DISEASE

The factors which are responsible for the development of acid lipase disease are:-

1. Deficiency of the enzyme lysosomal acid lipase.

SYMPTOMS OF ACID LIPASE DISEASE

1. Mental deterioration.
2. Low muscle tone.
3. Jaundice.
4. Anemia.
5. Vomiting.
6. Gastrointestinal problems.
7. Deposition of the calcium in the adrenal glands.

DIAGNOSIS OF ACID LIPASE DISEASE

The clinical procedures that must be employed in order to confirm acid lipase disease are:-

1. Ultrasonography.
2. CT scan.
3. Abdominal X-ray.
4. Liver biopsy.

TREATMENT OF ACID LIPASE DISEASE

There is no specific treatment of acid lipase disease, but the suppression of cholesterol synthesis and apolipoprotein B production by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors in addition with cholestyramine treatment and a balanced diet (excluding foods rich in cholesterol and triglycerides) results in a fast improvement in at least some cases of acid lipase disease.