Modulations physiologiques et physiopathologiques de la lipolyse chez l'homme

Obesity is defined by an excess of adipose tissue increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A high storage and low removal of adipose tissue triglycerides could promote obesity. Lipolysis is a three-step catabolic process leading to the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol tightly controlled by paracrine and endocrine factors such as catecholamines and insulin. We identified a new lipolytic pathway in human adipocytes, involving cardiac hormones, the natriuretic peptides. Natriuretic peptides activate lipid mobilization during exercise. Exercise- and hormone-induced lipolysis is impaired in obese subjects and partly recovered during endurance exercise training interventions. Exercise training also improves fat oxidation in skeletal muscle. Optimizing exercise training interventions to alleviate the metabolic complications of obesity remains an important public health challenge.