CD36 genetics and the metabolic complications of obesity.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

The review summarizes our current understanding of the function of the fatty acid translocase, CD36, in lipid metabolism with an emphasis on the influence of CD36 genetic variants and their potential contribution to obesity-related complications.

Recent findings

Studies in rodents implicate CD36 in a number of metabolic pathways with relevance to obesity and its associated complications. These include pathways related to fat utilization such as taste perception, intake, intestinal processing, and storage in adipose tissue. Dysfunction in these pathways, coupled with the ability of CD36 to transduce intracellular signals that initiate inflammation in response to excess fat supply, promotes metabolic pathology. In the last few years, the relevance of discover

SUBMITTER: Love-Gregory L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3295590 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature