Biochemistry, Fatty Acid Oxidation

Oxidation of fatty acids occurs in multiple regions of the cell within the human body; the mitochondria, in which only Beta-oxidation occurs; the peroxisome, where alpha- and beta-oxidation occur; and omega-oxidation, which occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum.Beta-oxidation is a significant source of metabolic energy during interprandial periods and high energy demand states, such as exercise. These metabolic conditions induce the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue due to the secretion of circulating mediators, such as epinephrine and glucagon, which increase the rate of lipolysis. This metabolic pathway provides a large portion of the energy requirement of skeletal muscle, heart muscle, and kidneys when glycogen and gluconeogenic precursors become scarce. Thus, fatty acid oxidation provides an alternative mode of high-efficiency energy production while simultaneously sparing muscles from catabolic breakdown. Other forms of fatty acid oxidation mentioned above are primarily designed to rid the body of large, insoluble xenobiotic compounds and lipid-based cellular components, such as sphingolipids and plasma membrane constituents.