Overview and Clinical Significance
Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), also known as free fatty acids, are key components of lipid metabolism, playing a crucial role in energy balance, metabolic health, and cardiovascular function. They are released from triglycerides during lipolysis and transported in the bloodstream bound to albumin.
Clinical Significance
- Energy Metabolism & Lipid Utilization: NEFAs serve as fuel sources, particularly during fasting, exercise, and metabolic stress.
- Insulin Resistance & Diabetes: Elevated NEFA levels are linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
- Cardiovascular Health & Atherosclerosis: High NEFA concentrations contribute to vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and lipid imbalance.
- Obesity & Adipose Tissue Dysfunction: NEFAs play a role in fat mobilization, influencing weight regulation and metabolic flexibility.
- Diagnostic & Therapeutic Applications: NEFA testing helps assess metabolic disorders, cardiovascular risk, and lipid homeostasis.
Non-esterified fatty acids are critical regulators of metabolic health, influencing energy balance, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular function.
