Category: L
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Lipoic acid
Chemically, dithio-octanoic acid, a coenzyme (together with vitamin B1) in the metabolism of pyruvate and in the citric acid cycle. Although it is an essential growth factor for various microorganisms, there is no evidence that it is a human dietary requirement. A critical coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate and a-ketoglutarate. It participates in…
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Lipofuscin
A group of pigments that accumulate in several body tissues, particularly the myocardium, and are associated with the ageing process. Granules of pigments found in aging tissues; highly insoluble lipid-protein complexes held together by multiple cross-linkages. Insoluble fatty pigment present in cardiae and smooth muscle cells; represents indigestible portions of cells that have been phagocytosed…
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Lipids, plasma
Triacylglycerols, free and esterified cholesterol and phospholipids, present in lipoproteins in blood plasma. Chylomicrons consist mainly of triacylglycerols and protein; they are the form in which lipids absorbed in the small intestine enter the bloodstream. Very low- density lipoproteins (VLDL) are assembled in the liver and exported to other tissues, where they provide a source…
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Lipedema (lipoedema)
Condition in which fat deposits accumulate in the lower extremities, from hips to ankles, with tenderness of the affected parts. Swelling of the skin, especially of the lower extremity, owing to accumulation of fat and fluid subcutaneously.
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Lipectomy
Surgical removal of subcutaneous fat. The surgical removal of excess body fat.
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Lipase
Enzyme that hydrolyses fats to glycerol and fatty acids. An enzyme (one of a class of enzymes) that catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of lipid molecules (triglycerides) to yield free fatty acids. Lipase was the first enzyme to be produced via genetic engineering and marketed. Lipase also occurs naturally in cow’s milk, and in the intestines…
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γ-linolenic acid
A non-essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (08:3 ω6).
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α-linolenic acid
An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (08:3 ω3).
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Linoleic acid
An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (08:2 ω6). An essential fatty acid not synthesized by the body and therefore must be obtained from the diet. An essential nutritional substance found in animal and vegetable fats and essential for growth. One of the essential fatty acids, found in grains and seeds. An essential fatty acid of the…
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Limosis
Abnormal hunger or excessive desire for food.