Free fatty acid metabolism

Free fatty acid metabolism" refers to the complex network of biochemical processes involving the synthesis, breakdown (β‐oxidation), transport, storage, and utilization of non‐esterified carboxylic acids known as free fatty acids. These processes are central to energy homeostasis—fatty acids serve as major energy sources during fasting or exercise when triglycerides stored in adipose tissue are hydrolyzed into FFAs that circulate bound to albumin. FFAs also play structural roles in cell membranes and act as signaling molecules by activating specific G protein-coupled receptors called free fatty acid receptors (FFARs), which regulate metabolic pathways including insulin secretion and inflammation. Dysregulation of FFA metabolism is implicated in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders. While individual components within this system—such as certain enzymes or FFAR subtypes—are considered therapeutic targets with approved drugs under development or clinical use for conditions like type 2 diabetes,[6] "free fatty acid metabolism" itself is a broad physiological process rather than a discrete molecular entity suitable for direct pharmacological targeting.[1][3][4]

Other names

Fatty acid metabolismFFA metabolismLipid metabolism

Drugs targeting this system may act by: - Agonizing or antagonizing free fatty acid receptors to modulate insulin secretion or inflammation - Inhibiting key enzymes in synthesis or oxidation pathways to alter lipid levels/metabolism