Effect of Diet on Activity of Enzymes Involved in Fatty Acid and Cholesterol Synthesis

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effect of diet on activity of enzymes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. Adipose tissue is the major organ contributing to de novo fatty acid synthesis in the nonlactating pig and ruminant, while the liver is more important in birds and man. In rats and mice, both organs contribute significantly to de novo fatty acid synthesis. In species such as the rat, where both liver and adipose tissue contribute to de novo fatty acid synthesis, dietary manipulations generally affect both tissues in a similar fashion; however, there are exceptions. The quantity of hepatic fatty acid synthetase can regulate the rate of fatty acid synthesis in rats fed high-carbohydrate diets. Unlike enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, a change in β -Hydroxy- β -methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity precedes changes in hepatic acetate conversion to cholesterol. Allosteric control of enzyme activity plays a major role in the rapid regulation of metabolic flux. Adaptive changes in enzyme content reflect sustained changes in metabolic flux and such adaptations are involved in the longer term regulation of metabolism.