Steatorrhoea with increased triglycerides seen in deficiency of: (PGI Dec 2006)
**Core Concept**
Steatorrhoea refers to the presence of excess fat in the feces, indicating malabsorption of dietary fats. The underlying principle involves the digestion and absorption of triglycerides, which are the main form of dietary fat. This process involves several enzymes and absorption mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the enzyme responsible for breaking down triglycerides into monoglycerides and free fatty acids, which can then be absorbed by the intestinal mucosa. This enzyme is pancreatic lipase, and its deficiency leads to impaired triglyceride digestion and subsequent malabsorption, resulting in steatorrhoea.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the enzyme associated with this option does not directly relate to triglyceride breakdown.
**Option B:** Similarly, this option is incorrect as it does not involve the primary step in triglyceride digestion.
**Option D:** This option is also incorrect because, although it involves lipid metabolism, it is not directly related to the digestion and absorption of dietary triglycerides.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that pancreatic insufficiency, which can lead to a deficiency of pancreatic lipase, is a common cause of steatorrhoea with increased triglycerides in the feces. This condition can be due to various causes, including chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis.
**Correct Answer:** D. Pancreatic lipase