Fatty acid modulators for the treatment of diabesity

Body weight is determined by the net difference in calorie consumption and energy expenditure. The balance between triglyceride biosynthesis and breakdown processes in the body determines the amount of total fat mass in an individual. Positive energy balance results in excess adipose mass that predisposes individuals to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In this review, we discuss enzymatic regulators of triglyceride synthesis and lipolysis that may contribute to energy balance and as such, constitute key drug targets to treat obesity, insulin resistance and other components of metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, we review the published literature on the development of selective SCD1, DGAT1 and HSL inhibitors as therapeutic strategies in light of their emerging role as anti-diabesity drugs.

Section editors:Ramakanth Sarabu and Jefferson W. Tilley – Roche Research Center, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA