An examination of the factors affecting intestinal lymphatic transport of dietary lipids

Abstract

Lipophilic drugs are carried by chylomicrons secreted by the small intestine and transported in lymph. The intent of this review is to update the reader on the digestion, uptake, and transport of dietary lipids and how these processes impact the absorption of lipophilic drugs by the gut. The digestion of lipids in the gastric and intestinal lumen is discussed as well as the role of bile salts in the solubilization of lipid digestion products for uptake by the gut. Both passive and active uptake of lipid digestion products is reviewed. Also examined is how intestinal lipid transporters located at the brush border membrane may play a role in the uptake of lipids by the enterocytes. The intracellular trafficking and the resynthesis of complex lipids from lipid digestion products are explored. Finally, the formation and secretion of chylomicrons and their potential clinical disorders are described.