Inhibition by ε-Polylysine of Fat Digestion in the Stomach and Intestine of Rats

Abstract

In vitro, the inhibition by ε-polylysine depends on how the substrate is presented to the lipase. We therefore examined whether ε-polylysine can interact with the lipid emulsion and prevent lipase activity in digestive organs. To confirm lipase inhibition by ε-polylysine, a ¹⁴C-trioleoylglycerol emulsion with or without ε-polylysine was orally administered to rats, and the radioactive lipid distribution determined at regular intervals. The radioactive plasma lipid was decreased, and radioactive fecal lipid was increased by the administration of ε-polylysine. The peak of radioactive lipids in the intestine was delayed by the administration of ε-polylysine.
We used 20-week-old rats as a model for the middle-aged and elderly to test the effect of ε-polylysine on the body weight increase. ε-Polylysine significantly prevented any elevation in body weight and weight of the liver and epididymal adipose tissues. These data show that ε-polylysine inhibited the lipase activity in the digestive organ and had an anti-obesity function in the middle-aged rats.