Chapter 8: Effect of Fatty Acid Type in Adipose Tissue Metabolism

Fatty acids as energy fuel, structural cell membrane components, and precursors of complex molecules, are tightly related to adipose tissue function. Diet composition in terms of the type of fatty acids has changed over time in humans. Such changes in the absolute and relative balance of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids could have an influence on adipose tissue function. For instance, polyunsaturated fatty acids are precursors of many molecules with action in inflammation. It is often described that animals and individuals with obesity manifest an elevated inflammatory state, where this state appears to play an etiopathogenic role in glucose and lipid homeostasis disorders. Thus, several studies have pursued the idea that manipulating dietary fatty acid type may affect inflammation, adipose tissue function, and metabolic health. We reviewed evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies linking fatty acid type and adipose tissue function.