Lipid Digestion Absorption and Metabolism

Lipid Metabolism
Overview
Fatty acids (F.A.s) are taken up by cells.

They may serve as:
•precursors in synthesis of other compounds
•fuels for energy production
•substrates for ketone body synthesis.
Ketone bodies may be exported to other tissues:

used for energy production.
Some cells synthesize fatty acids for storage or

export.
Energy
Fats are an important source of calories.
Typically 30-40% of calories in American diet are from
fat.
Fat is the major form of energy storage.
Typical body fuel reserves are:
fat: 100,000 kcal.
protein: 25,000 kcal.
carbohydrate: 650 kcal.
Provides 60% of energy needs for body at rest
TAG reserves would enable someone to
survive starvation for ~30 days
Digestion and Absorption of Lipids
• 98% of ingested lipids are
triacylglycerols (TAGs)
• Digestion in the Mouth:
enzymes are aqueous
-little effect on lipids
• Digestion in the Stomach:
causes a large physical
change:
-Churned into droplets: “Chyme”
Gastric Lipase:
Begins actual
lipid digestion.
~10% of TAGs are
hydrolyzed
in the stomach.
Chyme stimulates
cholecystokinin
(CCK) to release bile
from gallbladder.
Bile is an emulsifier
Pancreatic lipase (PL) hydrolyzes insoluble triglyceride
by binding to the bile-salt micelles
TAGs are partially hydrolyzed: 2 of the 3 F.A.s have
ester linkages hydrolyzed and are released.
Monoacylglycerol remains = glycerol and 1 fatty acid
Oil droplets will form
spherical micelle shapes.
Bile salts aid this process
clumping fatty acids and
monacylglycerols.
Fatty acid micelle:
hydrophobic fatty acids &
monoacylglycerols
are in the interior.
Bile salts on exterior.
Micelles are small

enough to penetrate
membrane of
intestinal cells.
Free fatty acids & monoacylglycerols are reformed

into triacylglycerols.
TAGs are combined with
membrane & water soluble
proteins to form a
chylomicron, a lipoprotein.
Chylomicrons carry TAGs from

intestinal cells into bloodstream
via the lymph system.
Triacylglycerols reach bloodstream
& are hydrolyzed down to glycerol and fatty acids.
These are absorbed by cells and

processed further for energy by forming acetyl CoA.
or
Stored as lipids in fat cells (adipose tissue)
Summary of events that must occur before
triacyglycerols (TAGs) can reach the
bloodstream through the digestive process.
Triglyceride Storage & Mobilization
Storage of triacylglycerol is in adipocytes
Fatty acids stored primarily as triacylglycerol.
Triacylglycerol
is hydrolyzed
to release
fatty acids
when needed.
Adipocytes are found mostly in the abdominal cavity
and subcutaneous tissue.
Store energy, insulation against heat loss,
shock absorber for organs.
Adipocytes are metabolically very active:

triacylglycerol constantly hydrolyzed & re-synthesized.
Hormonal control of lipolysis
The breakdown of triglycerides by lipases
is under hormonal control.
Hormones involved are:

Epinephrine, glucagon, and insulin.
Epinephrine & glucagon:

promote breakdown of fat (lipolysis)
Insulin:
inhibits lipolysis.
Triacylglycerol
Mobilization:
Hydrolyzing lipid reserves
in adipose tissue
for energy
Triggered by hormones
~10% TAGs replaced in

adipose tissue daily
as they get used up
for energy
Hydrolysis of stored triacylglycerols in adipose
tissue is triggered by hormones that stimulate
cAMP production within adipose cells.
Third time is a charm!
TAGs hydrolyzed
a 3rd time
to form fatty acids.
Triacylglycerol lipase
Diacyclglycerol lipase
Monoacylglycerol lipase
Only triacylglycerol lipase is
activated by epinephrine.
Glycerol Metabolism
One glycerol formed for each TAG
hydrolyzed.
Enter bloodstream & go to liver or
kidneys for processing.
Converted in 2 steps to
Dihydroxyacetone phosphate
Uses up one ATP
Reduces one NAD+ to NADH
Primary hydroxyl Oxidized to

group is form a
phosphorylated Ketone
Dihydroxyacetone phosphate
is an intermediate for both
Glycolysis:
converted to Pyruvate, then to Acetyl CoA, &
eventually to CO2, releasing its energy.
Gluconeogenesis:
creates Glucose from non-carbohydrate source
Lipid metabolism & carbohydrate metabolism

are connected.
Fatty acids can also be
broken down for energy.
What kind of reaction is needed?
Oxidation!
Quick review first on fatty acid

numbers & letters:
Review Important fatty acids:
Name # Carbons: (saturation)

Palmitate 16:0
Stearate 18:0
Palmitoleate 16:1 - cis at C9
Oleate 18:1 - cis at C9
Linoleate 18:2 - cis at C9 and C12
Linolenate 18:3 - cis at C9, C12 & C15

Lipid Digestion Absorption and Metabolism

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Lipid Metabolism

Fatty acids (F.A.s) are taken up by cells.

Ketone bodies may be exported to other tissues:

Some cells synthesize fatty acids for storage or

Micelles are small

Free fatty acids & monoacylglycerols are reformed

Chylomicrons carry TAGs from

These are absorbed by cells and

Adipocytes are metabolically very active:

Hormones involved are:

Epinephrine & glucagon:

~10% TAGs replaced in

Primary hydroxyl Oxidized to

Lipid metabolism & carbohydrate metabolism

Quick review first on fatty acid

Name # Carbons: (saturation)

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