Abstract
This is a review of literature from 1963 taking into account the excellent reviews on body fat and its metabolism and scintillating research articles on the role of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and body fat depots in maintenance of health and also their dysfunction leading to chronic diseases that affect quality of life. Main objective of this paper is to highlight the significance of elevated plasma NEFA in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity and the overall influence of depot fats in the maintenance of health. Reduction in receptor mediated cell function in muscle due to loss of insulin sensitivity arising from elevated non-esterified fatty acid is given due recognition and is considered as an alternate route for development of strategies for the control of chronic diseases associated with energy dysfunction. In addition, glyceroneogenesis in adipose tissues that accompany fat synthesis can also considered as a possible site which could be targeted to reduce the elevated plasma NEFA.
Highlights
Obesity is becoming a gigantic problem both in the developed and developing world. It is closely associated with chronic diseases that affect quality and life span of human life. This association arises as a result of interaction of body fat depots on energy metabolism and consequences that follow owing to their derangement
Laying down of fat in adipose tissues is determined by uptake of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and its esterification with glycerol while its release is dependent on lipolysis
Fat is synthesized using NEFA delivered by plasma chylomicrons and VLDL and glycerol synthesized from glucose delivered by plasma
Summary
Obesity is becoming a gigantic problem both in the developed and developing world. It is closely associated with chronic diseases that affect quality and life span of human life. Systemic effects are shown by visceral, intrahepatic and intramuscular fat while local effects are shown by pericardial, renal sinus, myocardial steatosis and perivascular fat These adipose tissues when triggered release adipokines resulting in inflammation and insulin resistance. Laying down of fat in adipose tissues is determined by uptake of NEFA and its esterification with glycerol while its release is dependent on lipolysis These are two juxtapositions in fat metabolism that are worthwhile to be considered for lowering NEFA in blood plasma. Action is needed to reduce upper body fat, by way of its mobilization and deposition The former could be accomplished by aerobic type oxidation and the latter by reduction of dietary fat intake, especially saturated fat. Along with these theoretical considerations, emphasis of a normal body mass index is of prime importance
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