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Horm Metab Res 2007; 39(10): 726-729
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-990273
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Contribution of Triglyceride-rich Lipoproteins to Plasma Free Fatty Acids

J. M. Miles 1 , R. H. Nelson 1
  • 1Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
Further Information

Publication History

received 16.10.2006

accepted 18.06.2007

Publication Date:
22 October 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Free fatty acids are the major lipid fuel of the body. Dysregulation of adipose tissue lipolysis results in increased plasma free fatty acid concentrations, and via that mechanism contributes to insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adipose tissue hormone sensitive lipase is thought to be responsible for the production of the majority of free fatty acids. However, a separate contribution comes from the action of endothelial lipases, especially lipoprotein lipase, on triglyceride-rich lipoproteins via a process known as spillover. The primary substrate for spillover appears to be chylomicrons derived from dietary fat. The spillover of fatty acids into the free fatty acid pool varies from one tissue to another. For example, spillover is low (∼14%) in the forearm of healthy volunteers, suggesting that triglyceride fatty acid storage is relatively efficient in skeletal muscle. In contrast, spillover appears to be higher in adipose tissue and may also be higher in the splanchnic bed, based on preliminary data. If systemic spillover is increased in insulin resistant states such as diabetes, this could represent a mechanism contributing to the abnormal increases in plasma concentrations of free fatty acids in that condition.

Key words

FFA - chylomicrons - kinetics

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Correspondence

J. M. MilesMD 

Endocrine Research Unit

Mayo Clinic

Rochester

55905 MN

USA

Phone: +1/507/284 56 43

Fax: +1/507/255 48 28

Email: miles.john@mayo.edu