Fatty Acid Metabolism (Beta Oxidation) (Beta Oxidation)

Fatty acid beta oxidation is a central metabolic pathway responsible for breaking down fatty acids to generate energy in the form of ATP. This process occurs primarily in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, although peroxisomes also play a role, especially for very long-chain fatty acids. Beta oxidation is essential for tissues with high energy demands, such as cardiac muscle, where it can provide up to 50–70% of ATP production. The process involves activation, transport, and the beta oxidation proper, producing acetyl-CoA, NADH, and FADH2 which fuel the TCA cycle and electron transport chain for ATP generation. Regulation occurs via malonyl-CoA inhibition of CPTI and hormonal control. Defects in enzymes involved in this pathway lead to inherited metabolic disorders. Inhibition or dysregulation contributes to diseases like diabetes mellitus or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Other names

Fatty Acid Beta-OxidationBeta-Oxidation PathwayFatty Acid Catabolism