Triglyceride (TG) (TG)

Triglycerides, or triacylglycerols, are the primary form of energy storage in humans and a major dietary lipid component, consisting of a glycerol backbone esterified with three fatty acids (Source: PubChem, StatPearls). In enteral formulas, they serve as a critical caloric source for patients unable to consume food orally, often provided in varying ratios of Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) and Long-Chain Triglycerides (LCTs) to optimize absorption (Source: NIH, Mayo Clinic). MCTs are absorbed directly into the portal circulation, making them useful for patients with malabsorption, while LCTs require bile salts and lymphatic transport (Source: StatPearls). Although triglycerides are nutrients rather than traditional therapeutic targets like receptors, their metabolism is a key focus of drug therapy. For instance, the drug orlistat inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases to prevent the breakdown and absorption of triglycerides for the treatment of obesity (Source: FDA, PubChem). Additionally, medications such as fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids are used to lower elevated plasma triglyceride levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and acute pancreatitis (Source: Mayo Clinic, StatPearls).

Other names

TriacylglycerolTAGFatMedium-chain triglyceridesLong-chain triglyceridesMCTLCT

Triglycerides are dietary nutrients and metabolic substrates rather than therapeutic targets. Drugs affecting them typically act by inhibiting digestive enzymes like pancreatic lipase (e.g., orlistat) or by modulating transcriptional regulators of lipid metabolism like PPAR-alpha (e.g., fibrates) to alter systemic levels (Source: PubChem, StatPearls).