Lipid metabolism, as we understand by the term, is the process of breaking (catabolism) and making (anabolism) of lipid molecules (fats) in the body for various purposes. This process involves some key pathways such as lipogenesis, beta-oxidation, and some other. Whole of the process needs to be well regulated for normal functioning of the body and keeping it in a healthy state.
‘Exercise’ impacts lipid metabolism crucially as how the body processes fats (lipid metabolism) especially when regular exercise or a specific scheduled exercise is done by the body. Such physical activities affect various hormone-related pathways, many metabolic pathways and other body processes.
Exercise and lipid metabolism – link with cancer:
- Exercise (physical activity) reduces the lipid accumulation in the body by enhancing fat oxidation in muscles and thus lowering the triglycerides and cholesterol, limiting the overall fuel or material required for tumor growth.
- Exercise helps in improving functioning of adipose tissue which ultimately result in reduction of cancer-promoting inflammation with the help of some of the adipokines so produced.
- Regular exercise helps in keeping energy balance in the body by improving the functioning of mitochondria, resulting in reduced metabolic stress signals related to cancer progression.
All the above-mentioned and even other scenarios in which effect of exercise on lipid metabolism of the body provides an insightful pathway towards developing therapeutics to reduce the risk of cancer or alleviate cancer related issues in the body as it is a well-known fact that cancer progression is associated with metabolic changes inside the body. If key metabolic pathways such as lipid metabolism as discussed here is regulated appropriately, risk of cancer and related issues can be reduced.
What’s your take on this simple yet crucial aspect of ‘exercise as a key player in keeping the body healthy and free from diseases’?
MBH/PS