Ordering information

(C) Indicates calibrator included in kit

Instrument Specific Applications (ISA's) are available for a wide range of biochemistry analysers. Contact us to enquire about your specific analyser.

Diagnostic Uses

Physiological Significance

Non-esterified fatty acids are important metabolites stored in adipose tissue. NEFA turnover is swift, with a plasma half – life of 2 to 4 minutes. The dominant source of NEFA is abdominal subcutaneous fat, with considerably less found in leg adipose tissue and a small proportion found in the intraabdominal adipose tissue. NEFA has been recognised as a vehicle by which triacylglycerol (TG) (stored in the adipose tissue) is transported to its sites of utilisation ¹. NEFA has been identified as the major source for skeletal muscle during fasting stages and long periods between meals. Cross – sectional studies have consistently documented that circulating NEFA levels are proportional to body fat storage and demonstrated positive correlations between fasting NEFA levels and obesity, insulin resistance and glucose tolerance ².

Clinical Significance

Non-esterified fatty acids concentrations are strongly associated with insulin resistance. In the fasting state, the resistance of adipose tissue to the antilipolytic effect of insulin causes the extensive release of NEFA into circulation. Consequently, elevated NEFA levels exacerbate insulin resistance through diminishing insulin – stimulated glucose intake into the skeletal muscle, directly affecting insulin signalling ³.

Publications

Powered by Bioz See more details on Bioz