1.
Impact of curcumin on fatty acid metabolism.
Nosrati-Oskouie, M, Aghili-Moghaddam, NS, Sathyapalan, T, Sahebkar, A
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2021;(9):4748-4762
Abstract
Free fatty acids (FFAs) and fatty acid synthesis (FAS) activity have significantly contributed to disease states such as insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, blood pressure, and several types of cancer. Currently, several treatment options are available for patients with these conditions. Due to safety concerns, adverse effects, limited efficacy, and low tolerability associated with many medications, the identification of novel agents with less toxicity and a more favorable outcome is warranted. Curcumin is a phenolic compound derived from the turmeric plant with various biological activities, including anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to February 2020 for studies that demonstrated the efficacy and mechanisms of curcumin action on FFAs, FAS, and β-oxidation activity, as well as the desaturation system. Most of the evidence is in-vivo and in-vitro studies that demonstrate that curcumin possesses regulatory properties on FFAs levels through its effects on FAS and β-oxidation activity as well as desaturation system, which could improve insulin resistance, obesity, and other FFAs-related disorders. The present study provides a review of the existing in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical evidence on the effect of curcumin on FFAs and FAS activity, β-oxidation, and desaturation system.
2.
Plasma Free Fatty Acid Concentration as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Metabolic Disease.
Henderson, GC
Nutrients. 2021;(8)
Abstract
Plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentration is elevated in obesity, insulin resistance (IR), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and related comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, experimentally manipulating plasma FFA in the laboratory setting modulates metabolic markers of these disease processes. In this article, evidence is presented indicating that plasma FFA is a disease risk factor. Elevations of plasma FFA can promote ectopic lipid deposition, IR, as well as vascular and cardiac dysfunction. Typically, elevated plasma FFA results from accelerated adipose tissue lipolysis, caused by a high adipose tissue mass, adrenal hormones, or other physiological stressors. Reducing an individual's postabsorptive and postprandial plasma FFA concentration is expected to improve health. Lifestyle change could provide a significant opportunity for plasma FFA reduction. Various factors can impact plasma FFA concentration, such as chronic restriction of dietary energy intake and weight loss, as well as exercise, sleep quality and quantity, and cigarette smoking. In this review, consideration is given to multiple factors which lead to plasma FFA elevation and subsequent disruption of metabolic health. From considering a variety of medical conditions and lifestyle factors, it becomes clear that plasma FFA concentration is a modifiable risk factor for metabolic disease.
3.
Visceral Fat: Culprit or Canary?
Jensen, MD
Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America. 2020;(2):229-237
Abstract
Although visceral fat is strongly correlated with the metabolic complications of obesity, the existing data indicate it is not the cause of these complications. Excess release of free fatty acids (FFA) from adipose tissue lipolysis can account for a sizable portion of the metabolic complications of obesity. In humans, upper-body subcutaneous adipose tissue accounts for most systemic FFA, whereas visceral fat contributes a modest portion of the excess amount to which the liver is exposed. This pattern is maintained in upper-body/visceral obesity, except that greater amounts of visceral fat expose the liver to more FFA from visceral adipose tissue lipolysis.