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Published on: April 4, 2016
Plasma acetate turnover and oxidation.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|September 1, 1979
Summary
Younger individuals exhibit higher plasma acetate turnover and oxidation rates compared to older adults. Acetate metabolism in cancer patients mirrors that of age-matched healthy individuals, with the gut contributing to acetate production.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic studies
- Human physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acetate, a short-chain fatty acid, plays a role in human metabolism.
- Understanding acetate turnover and oxidation is crucial for metabolic health insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma acetate turnover and oxidation rates in healthy individuals across different age groups.
- To compare acetate metabolism in cancer patients with age-matched healthy controls.
- To determine tissue-specific acetate uptake and production in humans.
Main Methods:
- Constant infusion of trace [1-14C]acetate for 6 hours in 11 healthy subjects.
- Measurement of plasma acetate concentration, turnover rate, and oxidation to CO2.
- Assessment of arterial-venous acetate concentration differences across tissues.
Main Results:
- Plasma acetate turnover and concentration positively correlated with each other and negatively with age.
- Younger subjects (22-28 yr) showed higher acetate turnover and oxidation rates than older subjects (40-57 yr).
- Acetate metabolism in cancer patients was comparable to healthy controls; the gastrointestinal tract was identified as a site of acetate production.
Conclusions:
- Age significantly influences plasma acetate turnover and oxidation, with younger individuals exhibiting higher rates.
- Acetate metabolism appears largely preserved in cancer patients relative to their age-matched healthy counterparts.
- Tissue acetate handling, particularly by the gut, liver, and leg, is influenced by arterial acetate concentration.
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