cataboliche

Cataboliche is the Italian term for catabolic processes in biochemistry. In English, catabolism refers to metabolic pathways that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy captured as ATP and reducing equivalents such as NADH and FADH2. Catabolic reactions are typically exergonic and feed energy-producing steps such as substrate-level and oxidative phosphorylation.

Key pathways include glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation; lipid breakdown by beta-oxidation; and proteolysis that supplies amino acids for energy or biosynthesis. These pathways provide energy and supply building blocks for other processes, especially during fasting, stress, or high energy demand. Digestion also feeds catabolic processes by hydrolyzing macronutrients to absorbable units.

Regulation of catabolism is integrated with anabolic metabolism to maintain energy balance. Hormones like glucagon and catecholamines promote catabolism during fasting or stress, while insulin generally suppresses it. Enzymes are regulated allosterically and by covalent modification; energy-sensing pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase modulate activity.

Pathological or extreme conditions can alter catabolic flux. Prolonged fasting, illness, or cancer cachexia can lead to excessive muscle or tissue breakdown, whereas defects in mitochondrial function can impair energy production. Understanding catabolic processes is central to physiology, nutrition, and medicine.