What is the reference method for lipase activity based on?

The reference method for lipase activity is based on employing olive oil as the substrate. Lipase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of fats, specifically triglycerides, into free fatty acids and glycerol. Using olive oil as a substrate is relevant because it is a natural source of triglycerides, allowing for the direct measurement of lipase activity in a way that closely mimics physiological conditions.

This method provides a reliable assessment of lipase function since it captures the enzyme's ability to process triglycerides similar to those found in the human diet. Additionally, because olive oil is composed predominantly of triglycerides, it serves as an effective material for the evaluation of lipase activity, making it a standard against which other measurement techniques can be compared.

Other approaches, such as the use of synthetic diglycerides or other substrates, and methods involving peroxidase coupling, do not represent the reference standard used to assess lipase activity directly in clinical settings. Therefore, the use of olive oil provides a clear and clinically relevant measure of lipase activity, establishing its status as the reference method.