Fatty acid transport and fatty acid-binding proteins

摘要

Fatty acids are essential components for every living cell, either as a source of energy by their oxidation in mitochondria or peroxisomes, or as a precursor for the synthesis of membrane lipids or lipid mediators. Some cells are able to synthesize fatty acids, others are completely dependent on supply by the blood. Uptake of fatty aeids from the lumen contents of the intestine into enterocytes takes place after lipolytic action of pancreatic lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) and micellar solubilization. After absorption fatty acids are incorporated into triacylglycerols and phospholipids and secreted in chylomicrons. In the blood plasma fatty acids are transported either non-covalently bound to albumin or esterified in triacylglycerols of chylomicrons and VLDL.The futty acids are distributed between intestine, liver and adipose tissue as fatty acid-delivering tissues and liver, heart, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, kidney and other peripheral tissues as fatty acid-utilizing or -storing tissues.