Hepatic steatosis and peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation

Curr Drug Metab. 2012 Dec;13(10):1412-21. doi: 10.2174/138920012803762765.

Abstract

Three subhepatocellular compartments concur for fatty acids degradation including ω-oxidation in endoplasmic reticulum and β-oxidation in both mitochondria and peroxisomes. Deficits affecting the peroxisomal physiology may be associated with multiple metabolic disturbances. Nowadays, a growing body of evidence underlines the key role of peroxisomal β-oxidation in the sensing of lipid metabolism through the production/degradation of some essential metabolites. Lessons from several mice models strengthen the link between fatty acid β-oxidation in peroxisomes and the nuclear hormone receptor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)-α with an additional level of coregualtor complexity, which couples regulation of body energetic balance and hepatic caloric flux to functional peroxisome status. Here, we review key determinants of disrupted peroxisomal β-oxidation pathway, which in liver promotes hepatic steatosis and hepatocarcinogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism*
  • Fatty Liver / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • PPAR alpha / metabolism
  • Peroxisomes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • PPAR alpha