The fatty acid oxidation pathway as a therapeutic target for insulin resistance
John C Clapham1, Leonard H Storlien
1AstraZeneca, CVGI Bioscience, Alderley Park, Cheshire, UK. john.clapham@astrazeneca.com
Abstract:
It is recognised that obesity is a major driver for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes in both adult and young members of diverse societies. Weight loss strategies involving diet, exercise and behaviour modification work only for the minority of highly motivated individuals, but fail completely in the vast majority; yet weight loss is associated with benefits in metabolic health. Why is it so difficult to maintain weight loss in the longer term? Here, the authors explore the possibility that energy partitioning, especially of lipids, plays a key role in both weight recidivism and, by association, insulin resistance. Drug targets that address key pathways important in this process, where progress in drug discovery is apparent, are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

