Lipolysis
The enzymatic breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids, predominantly in adipose tissue.
For laboratory and research use only — not for human consumption.
Lipolysis is the sequential hydrolysis of triglycerides into diacylglycerol, monoacylglycerol, glycerol, and free fatty acids, mediated principally by three intracellular lipases: adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL; catalyses the rate-limiting first hydrolysis), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL; primarily diacylglycerol), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL). ATGL is constitutively active; HSL is the principal hormonally regulated lipase, activated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase A in response to catecholamines (β-adrenergic), glucagon, growth hormone, ACTH, and various other lipolytic hormones. Lipolytic activity in adipose tissue releases free fatty acids into the circulation, where they are taken up by skeletal muscle, liver, and other tissues for β-oxidation and ATP generation. Adipose lipolysis is the central mechanism by which body fat mass is reduced and is a primary target of metabolic and obesity research. Growth hormone's lipolytic effect is mediated by the C-terminal domain of the molecule and is reproduced by the synthetic GH-fragment analogue AOD-9604 (hGH 177-191), which retains the lipolytic activity of GH while lacking the IGF-1-stimulating central effects of the full molecule. This pharmacological separation is the principal scientific rationale for AOD-9604's development as a fat-reduction agent.