9-Fatty+Acid+Nomenclature%2C+Oxidation+and+Ketone+Bodies+-+MBS602+-+2025 (copy)

Fatty Acid Notation

Common chemical notations like C18:2, Δ9, ω-3, and ω-6 indicating carbon chain length, number of double bonds, and double bond position.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with no double bonds, solid at room temperature, often derived from animals (e.g., Palmitate, Stearate).

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with at least one double bond, can be mono or polyunsaturated, usually liquid at room temperature and plant-derived.

Cis vs. Trans

Structural differences in hydrogen atoms around double bonds; trans fats have health concerns.

Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that must be obtained from the diet as they cannot be synthesized, like Linoleate, Linolenate, and Arachidonate.

Lipolysis

The metabolic breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, important for energy during fasting and exercise.

Types of Fat in the Body

Includes dietary fats (~20-35% of calories) and adipose tissue fats (~25-30% of body weight).

Lipases

Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol; includes ATGL, HSL, and MGL.

Regulation of Lipolysis

Stimulated by low insulin levels (e.g., during fasting) and inhibited by insulin.

Fatty Acid Movement

Fatty acids move from food to adipose tissue in the fed state and from adipose tissue to organs during fasting.

Transport Mechanisms

Fatty acids enter cells via transporters and interact with fatty acid-binding proteins; carnitine aids in mitochondrial entry.

Fatty Acid β-Oxidation

Converts fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, FADH2, and NADH, occurring in mitochondria to generate ATP.

Energy Yield Comparison

Palmitate yields significantly more energy compared to glucose during oxidation.

Ketone Body Formation

Process occurring in the liver during fasting or carbohydrate scarcity where excess acetyl-CoA is converted to ketone bodies.

Types of Ketone Bodies

Includes Acetoacetate, β-Hydroxybutyrate, and Acetone, utilized for energy in peripheral tissues.

Ketolysis

The process of breaking down ketone bodies into acetyl-CoA for energy production, especially important in fasting.

Ketosis

Elevated levels of ketone bodies due to increased production; generally a safe metabolic state.

Ketoacidosis

Uncontrolled ketone production leading to dangerous blood acidity, often associated with uncontrolled diabetes.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Severe condition characterized by high ketone levels, hyperglycemia, and acidosis, which can be life-threatening.

Ketotic Hypoglycemia

Low glucose with high ketones, often resulting from low insulin levels or prolonged fasting.

Non-Ketotic Hypoglycemia

Low glucose with low ketones, usually due to excessive insulin or metabolic disorders.

Diagnostic Tool for Hypoglycemia

Measuring ketone levels is crucial for understanding and guiding treatment in cases of hypoglycemia.