Lipoprotein lipase is a central enzyme in the lipid metabolism, which catalyses the hydrolysis of the triacylglycerol component of chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins, thereby providing fatty acids and monoacylglycerol for tissue utilisation. LPL gene mutation may affect the activity of LPL, and results in lipid metabolism disorder. It is associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, obesity and corony artery disease. Here we review the structure, function, expression regulation of the LPL gene along with its association with complex diseases.