HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Orlando, Florida, USA or Virtually from your home or work.
Lipid metabolism encompasses a complex series of biochemical processes crucial for the synthesis, storage, breakdown, and utilization of lipids within living organisms. These fats, oils, sterols, and related compounds play multifaceted roles, serving as energy reservoirs, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules. It begins with dietary lipids, absorbed in the form of triglycerides and broken down by enzymes in the digestive system. These lipids are subsequently transported through the bloodstream as lipoproteins, such as chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs), for storage or utilization in various tissues. In cells, lipid metabolism involves lipolysis, the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol, releasing energy utilized by the body. Additionally, lipogenesis occurs primarily in the liver and adipose tissues, synthesizing fatty acids and triglycerides from excess Dietary carbohydrates or proteins for storage. Regulated by hormones and enzymes, lipid metabolism maintains lipid homeostasis, ensuring a balance between storage and utilization. Hormones like insulin, glucagon, and leptin orchestrate these processes, influencing lipogenesis, lipolysis, and lipid uptake by tissues. Disruptions in lipid metabolism can lead to disorders like Dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipid levels, contributing to cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and metabolic syndromes. Understanding lipid metabolism is pivotal in managing health conditions and developing treatments to regulate lipid levels and maintain metabolic balance.
