lipotoxicity
Cellular damage caused by excessive lipid accumulation in non-adipose tissues.
Full Definition
Lipotoxicity describes the pathological effects of ectopic lipid accumulation and elevated fatty acid levels in tissues not designed for significant lipid storage, including pancreatic beta cells, liver, muscle, and heart. In cardiometabolic disease, lipotoxicity occurs when the storage capacity of adipose tissue is exceeded or when lipolysis is increased, leading to inappropriate lipid deposition that causes cellular dysfunction, inflammation, apoptosis, and insulin resistance. This mechanism is particularly important in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, where lipotoxicity impairs beta-cell function and contributes to peripheral insulin resistance.
Usage
Usage note: Often combined with glucose toxicity as glucolipotoxicity in diabetes literature.
In Context
- "Lipotoxicity in pancreatic islets contributed to progressive beta-cell failure." — diabetes pathophysiology study
- "Cardiac lipotoxicity was implicated in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy." — cardiovascular research paper