Insulin sensitivity and lipids

Insulin plays a central role in regulation of lipid metabolism, with differ ent sites of action. In the adipose tissue, insulin inhibits lipolysis via an inhibition of the lipase, leading to reduce the flux of free fatty acids into the circulation. Insulin inhibits the VLDL production by the liver. I nsulin is a potent activator of the lipoprotein lipase, promoting the catab olism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (Chylomicrons, VLDL). insulin promo tes the clearance of LDL, indeed, insulin stimulates apoB/E receptor (LDL-r eceptor) activity and enhances LDL degradation via the LDL-receptor pathway , insulin also plays an important role in HDL metabolism since it activates LCAT activity, it reduces PLTP activity and modulates the hepatic triglyce ride lipase activity. Because of the key role of insulin in lipid metabolis m, we can easily understand that all diseases with impaired insulin action, such as insulin resistance or diabetes mellitus, will be characterized by important lipid abnormalities, which are important factors responsible for the increased cardiovascular risk in the patients.