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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism01:28

Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism

Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
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: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology01:21

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules01:06

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules01:06

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...

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Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death
08:26

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death

Published on: October 31, 2017

Fatty acids and beta-cell toxicity.

Noel G Morgan1

  • 1Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth, UK. noel.morgan@pms.ac.uk

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|February 10, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Certain fatty acids harm pancreatic beta cells, increasing type 2 diabetes risk. Saturated fats are toxic, while unsaturated fats protect beta cells, offering therapeutic potential.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes incidence is rising globally.
  • Pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and loss contribute to type 2 diabetes.
  • Fatty acids significantly impact beta-cell function and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review molecular mechanisms of fatty acid-induced beta-cell death.
  • To understand how fatty acids influence beta-cell life and death.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting fatty acid effects on beta cells.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involved in beta-cell apoptosis.
  • Examination of endoplasmic reticulum stress and microRNA regulation.

Main Results:

  • Long-chain saturated fatty acids are cytotoxic to beta cells.
  • Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are cytoprotective.
  • Saturated fatty acid toxicity involves endoplasmic reticulum stress and CHOP-10 induction.
  • Unsaturated fatty acid protection may be receptor-mediated via endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway antagonism.

Conclusions:

  • Fatty acid type critically determines beta-cell fate.
  • Mechanisms involve endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptotic gene regulation.
  • Findings inform development of therapies for type 2 diabetes.