Les FAHFAs, une nouvelle classe de lipides endogènes bioactifs

Fatty acid hydroxylated fatty acid esters (FAHFAs) are a family of endogenous lipids recently rediscovered by Professor Kahn's team (Yore et al., 2014). Several studies have shown that FAHFAs improve glucose tolerance, sensitivity to and secretion of insulin and have anti-inflammatory effects. FAHFAs are found in blood and many tissues in humans and in rodents, as well as in breast milk and in food. They are synthesized de novo in tissues, however the biosynthesis and degradation pathways of these bioactive lipids are not yet elucidated. Several studies show that the levels of FAHFAs are regulated in mice and humans by physiological and physiopathological conditions such as fasting, obesity and insulin resistance. In this review, we will present the current state of the art concerning FAHFAs and in particular, the biological effects of these bioactive lipids.