What is the Origin of Fat Lipolysis?

The term is a compound of lipo- (from the Greek lipos, meaning "fat") and -lysis (from the Greek lysis, meaning "to unbind or separate"). The understanding of lipolysis as a tightly regulated, hormone-sensitive metabolic process was established in the mid-20th century. Its clinical relevance expanded with the understanding of its role in energy balance and the pathology of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

What is the Mechanism of Fat Lipolysis?

The process is initiated when lipolytic hormones bind to receptors on the adipocyte surface, activating adenylyl cyclase, which increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP). This rise in cAMP activates Protein Kinase A (PKA), which subsequently phosphorylates and activates Hormone-Sensitive Lipase (HSL) and Perilipin. HSL then cleaves the fatty acids from the glycerol backbone of the triglyceride molecule. Growth hormone and certain peptides can enhance this signaling cascade, increasing the rate at which stored fat is released into the bloodstream for use as fuel by other tissues.

Fat Lipolysis

Meaning

Fat Lipolysis is the biochemical process by which triglycerides, the primary form of stored fat in adipocytes, are hydrolyzed into glycerol and free fatty acids. This catabolic pathway is essential for energy mobilization, allowing the body to utilize stored energy reserves when caloric intake is insufficient or energy demand is high. Hormonal signals, particularly catecholamines and growth hormone, are key regulators of this process. In a clinical context, promoting efficient fat lipolysis is a primary strategy for reducing excess adipose tissue, especially the metabolically detrimental visceral fat.