Lipideja

Lipideja is a term used in some languages to denote lipids, a diverse group of hydrophobic organic compounds essential for energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling. Lipideja are chemically varied but share a common property: they are insoluble in water and readily soluble in organic solvents.

Major classes include fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, sphingolipids, steroids, and waxes. Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains; triglycerides consist of three fatty acids attached to glycerol; phospholipids and sphingolipids form cellular membranes; steroids such as cholesterol act as hormones and membrane components; waxes provide protection.

Functions of lipideja include energy storage in adipose tissue as triacylglycerols; contribution to membrane structure and fluidity; serving as signaling molecules, including steroid hormones and eicosanoids; providing insulation and protection; and aiding digestion through emulsification with bile acids.

Biosynthesis and metabolism involve multiple pathways: lipideja are synthesized from acetyl-CoA via fatty acid synthesis in the cytosol, with desaturation and elongation producing diverse chains. Lipolysis liberates fatty acids for beta-oxidation in mitochondria. Lipoproteins transport lipids in the blood, and cholesterol is produced in the liver and serves as a precursor for steroid hormones and bile acids.

Health relevance is significant: dyslipidemias influence cardiovascular risk. Lipid panels measure total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Essential fatty acids must be obtained from the diet, and imbalances can contribute to disease. Research continues to explore lipid signaling, membrane dynamics, and the roles of different lipid species in health and disease.