Fat metabolism in the perioperative period
Carpentier, Y.A.; Richelle, M.
British Journal of Clinical Practice. Supplement 63: 99-106
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0262-8767 PMID: 3151571 Document Number: 307544
The variety of plasma lipid components and the complexity of lipid methodology have considerably delayed understanding of fat metabolism. Postoperative patients showed an increased ability to utilize circulating free and esterified fatty acids as energy substrate. Recent knowledge of the intravascular metabolism of fat emulsions shows many interactions between exogenous particles and several endogenous components. Those effects are particularly marked during high-rate infusions of phospholipid-rich emulsions. The influence of phospholipids on cell membranes and their direct and indirect effects on cholesterol metabolism, as well as the potential of specific fatty acids to modulate immune responses and inflammatory reactions, emphasize the interest in pursuing investigations directed towards critically ill and long-term total parenteral nutrition patients.