What is De Novo Lipogenesis (DNL)?
De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is a metabolic process that converts excess carbohydrates, protein, sugar, and alcohol into fatty acids. These fatty acids are then used to create triglycerides and other lipids.
What Does DNL Do?
- Vital Lipid Production: DNL is a vital process in mammals that produces lipids essential for signaling, membrane structures, and fuel storage.
- Efficient Energy Storage: DNL is more efficient than storing energy as carbohydrates.
- Metabolic Safety Valve: DNL acts as a metabolic safety valve, storing excess carbohydrate energy when glycogen stores are full.
Where Does DNL Occur?
- Primary Sites: DNL primarily occurs in the liver and adipose tissue.
- Liver Storage Limitations: The liver has a limited capacity to store fat healthily, making regulation of this process critical to metabolic health.
What Are the Consequences of Dysregulated DNL?
- Obesity and Diabetes: Dysregulated DNL can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Liver Dysfunction: Elevated hepatic DNL can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
What Factors Influence DNL?
- Diet Composition: A diet high in sugar and fructose can significantly increase DNL.
- Dietary Regulation: Restricting dietary sugar can reduce DNL and improve metabolic health.
