Lipolysis activation is the physiological process involving the enzymatic breakdown, or hydrolysis, of stored triglycerides within adipose tissue into their constituent components: free fatty acids and glycerol. This process is critically regulated by hormonal signals and is essential for mobilizing energy reserves to meet the body’s metabolic demands, particularly during periods of fasting or sustained physical activity. Clinical assessment of lipolysis is relevant to understanding metabolic flexibility and body composition regulation.
Origin
The term is a composite of “lipolysis,” derived from the Greek lipos (fat) and lysis (a loosening or breaking up), and “activation,” meaning the process of making something active. This biochemical reaction is a fundamental aspect of lipid metabolism, representing the catabolic pathway for accessing stored energy. The concept is deeply rooted in biochemistry and endocrinology.
Mechanism
Activation is primarily mediated by catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which bind to β-adrenergic receptors on the adipocyte membrane. This binding initiates a G-protein signaling cascade, leading to the activation of adenylate cyclase and a subsequent increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP). The elevated cAMP then activates Protein Kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates and activates Hormone-Sensitive Lipase (HSL) and Adipose Triglyceride Lipase (ATGL), the key enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of triglycerides.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.