GLOSSARY

Lipolysis is the breakdown of stored triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol. It takes place mainly in adipose tissue, but intramuscular triglyceride is broken down in the same way during exercise.

Main Enzymes

• ATGL: carries out the first and most rate-limiting step (triglyceride → diacylglycerol).
• Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL): converts diacylglycerol into monoacylglycerol.
• Monoglyceride lipase: removes the last fatty acid and releases glycerol.

Control

• Stimulators: adrenaline and noradrenaline (through β receptors), natriuretic peptides, cortisol and growth hormone.
• Inhibitors: insulin is the strongest inhibitor; even a small rise in insulin greatly reduces lipolysis. High lactate and α2 receptors also inhibit it.

Fate of the Products

Fatty acids