Omegaoxidáció

Omega-oxidáció is a metabolic pathway that oxidizes fatty acids at the omega-carbon atom, which is the carbon atom furthest from the carboxyl group. This process occurs primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum of the liver and involves a series of enzymatic reactions.

The pathway begins with the hydroxylation of the omega-carbon by a cytochrome P450 enzyme, followed by the oxidation of the resulting alcohol to an aldehyde by an alcohol dehydrogenase. This aldehyde is then further oxidized to a carboxylic acid by an aldehyde dehydrogenase. The resulting dicarboxylic acid can then be further metabolized, often through beta-oxidation, which shortens the fatty acid chain from the carboxyl end.

Omega-oxidáció serves as a complementary pathway to beta-oxidation, particularly for medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids. It allows for the metabolism of fatty acids that may not be efficiently processed by beta-oxidation alone. This pathway can also be important for the detoxification of certain fatty acid derivatives and for the synthesis of specific signaling molecules. In humans and other mammals, it is a minor pathway compared to beta-oxidation, but it plays a crucial role in specific physiological conditions and in the handling of certain types of fatty acids.