Lipid biosynthesis in the chick. A consideration of site of synthesis, influence of diet and possible regulatory mechanisms

Abstract

Studies in vitro and with intact chicks support the view that liver is the major site of lipid biosynthesis in the chicken. Adipose tissue is relatively unimportant as a site of fatty acid biosynthesis in this species although it does have the ability to esterify fatty acids to triglycerides. The available evidence, therefore, suggests that in the chicken, and presumably other avian species, fatty acids are synthesized in liver and are transported as triglycerides in the plasma low-density lipoproteins to the adipose tissue for storage. Fasting, even for short periods of time, markedly depresses the capacity for hepatic lipogenesis in the chick. Food restriction for 2 hr. depresses hepatic lipogenesis by about 90% and refeeding for 1 hr./or/the intravenous administration of glucose or fructose restores the lipogenic capacity. Feeding diets high in fat or protein cannot be adequately explained on the basis of the reduction of dietary carbohydrate which accompanies increased dietary protein or fat levels. Dietary fat and protein appear to exert their effects on hepatic lipid synthesis by different mechanisms. The depression in hepatic fatty acid synthesis brought about by fasting or fat-feeding is accompanied, and probably preceded, by an increased plasma free fatty acid level. Under these conditions hepatic fatty-acyl CoA levels increase while free CoA levels are reduced. Long-chain acyl CoA derivatives are capable of inhibiting acetyl CoA carboxylase activity as well as citrate transport. The reduced availability of free CoA may limit the citrate cleavage reaction. Dietary alterations influence the hepatic lactate-pyruvate ratio of chicks, however the changes observed are not always consistent with the changes observed in rat liver. Chicks fed high-protein diets have a decreased hepatic lactate/pyruvate ratio indicative of a more oxidized cytoplasmic environment. This change in redox state may be associated with control of fatty acid synthesis in chicks fed high-protein diets. Thyroxine and glucagon affect hepatic fatty acid synthesis in the chick, however insulin appears to play a lesser role.