Fatty Acid Oxidation in Tissues

Fatty Acid Oxidation in Tissues

Fatty acid oxidation is a critical metabolic process that provides energy to various tissues, particularly during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, or carbohydrate scarcity. This process predominantly occurs in the mitochondria, where fatty acids are broken down through beta-oxidation, generating acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH₂, which fuel the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

Key Tissues Involved:

1. Liver

   • The liver is a central hub for fatty acid oxidation, especially during fasting or low glucose states. Acetyl-CoA produced in the liver can enter the citric acid cycle or be converted into ketone bodies (ketogenesis) to supply energy to peripheral tissues like the brain and muscles.
   • Enzymes: Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1) plays a critical role in transporting fatty acids into mitochondria.

2. Skeletal Muscle

   • Skeletal muscle relies heavily on fatty acid oxidation during prolonged exercise or at rest when glycogen stores are low. It provides a sustained energy supply for muscle contractions.

3. Heart (Cardiac Muscle)

   • The heart prefers fatty acid oxidation as its primary energy source due to its continuous need for energy. It has a high mitochondrial density to facilitate efficient fatty acid breakdown.

4. Adipose Tissue

   • Although primarily a storage site for triglycerides, adipose tissue can oxidize fatty acids during periods of high energy demand, though its contribution is minor compared to other tissues.

5. Kidneys

• The renal cortex uses fatty acid oxidation to generate ATP, especially under fasting conditions.

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