The word "lipogenesis" (pronounced /ˌlɪpoʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs/) refers to the process of creating fat in the body. The word is derived from two Greek roots: "lipos" meaning "fat" and "genesis" meaning "origin" or "creation." The spelling of "lipogenesis" follows the conventions of English phonetics, with each letter representing a distinct sound. The "o" in "lipo" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, while the "g" in "genesis" is pronounced as a "j" sound, resulting in the pronunciation of "lipogenesis" as "LIH-poh-jen-eh-sis."
Lipogenesis is a biological process that refers to the synthesis or production of new fatty acids and triglycerides in the body. It is a complex metabolic pathway that occurs primarily in the liver, adipose tissue (fat cells), and to a lesser extent, in the intestines.
During lipogenesis, excess energy derived from ingested carbohydrates, particularly glucose, is converted into fatty acids and then combined with glycerol to form triglycerides. These triglycerides are then stored as fat in adipose tissue or utilized as a source of energy when needed.
Lipogenesis plays a crucial role in various physiological functions such as energy storage, hormone regulation, and insulation. It is tightly regulated by several enzymes and hormones to maintain balance and prevent excessive fat accumulation. Insulin, a pancreatic hormone, stimulates lipogenesis by promoting the uptake of glucose from the blood and its conversion into fatty acids.
While lipogenesis is an essential process for the body's energy metabolism, excessive or dysregulated lipogenesis can lead to the development of abnormal fat accumulation and metabolic disorders such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance.
Understanding lipogenesis is of great importance in medical and scientific fields, as it provides insights into the mechanisms of fat storage and the development of obesity-related disorders. It is an area of ongoing research in efforts to prevent and treat conditions associated with abnormal lipogenesis.
The production of fat, either fatty degeneration or fatty infiltration.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "lipogenesis" is derived from two Greek roots: "lipos" meaning "fat" and "genesis" meaning "creation" or "origin". Hence, "lipogenesis" can be broken down as "lipos" (fat) + "genesis" (creation), referring to the process of creating or synthesizing fat in the body.