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KATP channels
KATP channels are a type of potassium channel inhibited
by adenosine triphosphate. In the heart they are present
either in the sarcolemmal membrane or in the
mitochondrial membrane. There is considerable research
interest in activating KATP channels as an approach to
protecting the ischemic heart.
3-KAT
3-KAT is the abbreviation for 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (see below).
3-KAT inhibitor
3-KAT is the abbreviation for 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase. 3-KAT is the last enzyme in the intramitochondrial pathway that is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids (fatty acid b-oxidation). 3-KAT inhibitors, such as trimetazidine, inhibit the activity of this enzyme, thereby inhibiting fatty acid oxidation. Recent interest has focused on 3-KAT inhibitors as a novel therapeutic approach to protecting the ischemic heart.
3-Ketoacyl-CoA-thiolase (3-KAT) inhibitor
3-Ketoacyl-CoA-thiolase (3-KAT) is the last enzyme in the intramitochondrial pathway that is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids (fatty acid b-oxidation). 3-KAT inhibitors, such as trimetazidine, inhibit the activity of this enzyme, thereby inhibiting fatty acid oxidation. Recent interest has focused on 3-KAT inhibitors as a novel therapeutic approach to protecting the ischemic heart.
Kinase
A kinase is an enzyme that phosphorylates (i.e. adds a phosphate group) to other proteins and/or itself. Kinases are very important enzymes involved in numerous cell signalling processes.
L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid. An important function of Larginine is as a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, which produces nitric oxide (NO). NO is a potent vasodilator of smooth muscle.
Leptin
Leptin is a peptide hormone synthesized by adipocytes
that plays a key role in the regulation of appetite and
energy expenditure. This can occur through direct actions
of leptin on the hypothalamus or via direct actions of
leptin on peripheral lipid and glucose metabolism.
Leukotriene B
Leukotriene B is an eicosanoid that is synthesized from arachidonic acid by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Leukotrines are involved in the inflammatory process, as well as in vasoconstriction and vascular permeability.
Ligands
A ligand is term used to identify any molecule that binds to another molecule. Examples of ligands include hormones, peptides, or other molecules that bind to receptors or enzymes. For example, norepinephrine is a ligand for the â-receptor, and fatty acids are ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.
Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH)
Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) are produced when free radicals react with lipids. The levels of LOOH are often used as a measure of the amount of free radical production or injury.
Lipid kinase termed PI3-kinase (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, PI3-K)
PI3-K is an intracellular kinase involved in a number of important cellular pathways, including glucose metabolism. PI3-K produces PtdIns(3,4,5)-P3, which is part a signalling cascade initiated by a number of different hormones, including insulin.
Lipid peroxidation
Lipid peroxidation is the term used to describe the reaction of free radicals with lipids.
Lipid peroxyl radicals
Reaction of free radicals with lipids produces lipid peroxyl radicals. This is an unstable intermediate that then forms a more stable lipid hydroperoxide.
Lipin
Lipin is the product of the gene that is mutated in fatty liver dystrophy. Mice with this mutation exhibit several phenotypic abnormalities, including hyperlipidemia, defects in adipocyte differentiation, impaired glucose tolerance, and slow growth.
Lipogenesis
Lipogenesis is a term describing the synthesis of lipids. It occurs primarily in the liver and adipocytes.
Lipoprotein lipase
Lipoprotein lipase is an enzyme that cleaves fatty acids from triacylglycerol contained with lipoproteins.
Lipoxygenase
The lipoxygenase pathway comprises an important group of enzymes involved in the metabolism of arachidonic acid to leukotrienes. Leukotrienes have diverse biological actions in the body.
Liver X receptors (LXRs)
Liver X receptors (LXRs) alpha and beta are responsible for the transcriptional regulation of a number of genes involved in cholesterol efflux from cells. LXRs limit cholesterol accumulation by regulating expression of genes involved in cholesterol efflux and storage. As a result, pharmacological activation of LXRs may be a molecular target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase
Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase is one of the first enzymes in the fatty acid metabolic pathway. It converts long-chain fatty acids to long chain acyl-CoA within the cell. Longchain acyl-CoA is then either metabolized by the mitochondria to produce energy, or is used to produce membrane and cellular lipids.
Long-chain 3-ketoacyl coenzyme A thiolase
3-ketoacyl-CoA-thiolase (3-KAT) is the last enzyme in the intramitochondrial pathway that is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids (fatty acid b-oxidation). There are 3 different 3- KAT enzymes, with different affinities for long, medium or short chain fatty acids. Long-chain 3-KAT primarily acts on longer chain fatty acid intermediates. Long-chain 3-KAT inhibitors, such as trimetazidine, inhibit the activity of this enzyme, thereby inhibiting fatty acid oxidation. Recent interest has focused on 3-KAT inhibitors as a novel therapeutic approach to protecting the ischemic heart.
Lycopene
Lycopenes are antioxidants that are abundant in tomatoes and tomato juice. Clinical studies are presently assessing whether lycopenes can be used to prevent free radical injury.
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