Fat metabolism in normal and abnormal states.

Various aspects of the use of fatty acids as fuel in normal and abnormal states in mammals are described. The discussion includes use of dietary lipid as fuel, the functioning of adipose tissue as a fuel reservoir, the use of free fatty acids mobilized from adipose tissue as fuel, the liver as a source of lipid fuel, and the use of intracellular lipids as fuel sources. In addition, the responses of lipid metabolism to fasting and exercise are reviewed. Finally, selected data on the effects of infections on the use of lipids as fuels are considered in relation to our current knowledge metabolism.