Page last updated: 2024-10-24

medium-chain fatty acid metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving a medium-chain fatty acid. A medium-chain fatty acid has an aliphatic tail containing 6 to 12 carbons. [Wikipedia:Fatty_acid_metabolisms]

Medium-chain fatty acid metabolism is a crucial biological process involved in the breakdown and utilization of fatty acids containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms. These fatty acids, unlike their long-chain counterparts, are readily absorbed directly into the bloodstream from the small intestine without the need for chylomicron formation. Once in circulation, they are transported to various tissues, primarily the liver, where they undergo oxidation for energy production.

The metabolic process begins with the activation of the medium-chain fatty acid by attaching it to coenzyme A (CoA) via an enzyme called acyl-CoA synthetase. This activated form, known as acyl-CoA, is then transported into the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, where it enters the beta-oxidation pathway.

Beta-oxidation is a cyclical process that involves a series of enzymatic reactions that progressively break down the fatty acid molecule into two-carbon units of acetyl-CoA. Each cycle involves the following steps:

1. Oxidation: The fatty acyl-CoA is oxidized by an enzyme called acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, producing a trans-enoyl-CoA molecule and reducing FAD to FADH2.
2. Hydration: Water is added to the trans-enoyl-CoA by the enzyme enoyl-CoA hydratase, yielding a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA molecule.
3. Oxidation: The 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA is further oxidized by 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, generating a ketoacyl-CoA molecule and reducing NAD+ to NADH.
4. Cleavage: The ketoacyl-CoA molecule is cleaved by thiolase, releasing acetyl-CoA and a shorter fatty acyl-CoA.

The acetyl-CoA produced during beta-oxidation enters the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, where it is further oxidized to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. The shorter fatty acyl-CoA produced undergoes another round of beta-oxidation until it is completely broken down into acetyl-CoA.

In addition to energy production, medium-chain fatty acids play various other roles in the body, including:

- Enhancing satiety and reducing appetite.
- Promoting ketone body production, which can serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain, especially during periods of low carbohydrate intake.
- Suppressing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Supporting brain function and cognitive health.

Overall, medium-chain fatty acid metabolism is a vital process for maintaining energy balance, supporting various physiological functions, and promoting overall health.'
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Proteins (2)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Carnitine O-acetyltransferaseA carnitine O-acetyltransferase that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P43155]Homo sapiens (human)
Liver carboxylesterase 1A liver carboxylesterase 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P23141]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (85)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphatebis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate: RN given refers to parent cpdaryl phosphate
4-methylumbelliferyl acetate4-methylumbelliferyl acetate : An acetate ester consiting of umbelliferone carrying a 7-O-acetyl group.acetate ester;
coumarins
plant metabolite
diacetylbutane-2,3-dione : An alpha-diketone that is butane substituted by oxo groups at positions 2 and 3. It is a metabolite produced during the malolactic fermentation.alpha-diketoneEscherichia coli metabolite;
Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite
6,7-dichloroquinoxaline-2,3-dionequinoxaline derivative
tacrinetacrine : A member of the class of acridines that is 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine substituted by an amino group at position 9. It is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Tacrine: A cholinesterase inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain barrier. Tacrine has been used to counter the effects of muscle relaxants, as a respiratory stimulant, and in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other central nervous system disorders.
acridines;
aromatic amine
EC 3.1.1.7 (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitor
ethacridineEthacridine: A topically applied anti-infective agent.acridines
aniracetamN-acylpyrrolidine;
pyrrolidin-2-ones
camostatcamostat : A benzoate ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 4-guanidinobenzoic acid with the hydroxy group of 2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl (4-hydroxyphenyl)acetate. It is a potent inhibitor of the human transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and its mesylate salt is currently under investigation for its effectiveness in COVID-19 patients.benzoate ester;
carboxylic ester;
diester;
guanidines;
tertiary carboxamide
anti-inflammatory agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
antifibrinolytic drug;
antihypertensive agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antiviral agent;
serine protease inhibitor
dilazepdilazep : A member of the class of diazepanes that is 1,4-diazepane substituted by 3-[(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)oxy]propyl groups at positions 1 and 4. It is a potent adenosine uptake inhibitor that exhibits antiplatelet, antianginal and vasodilator properties.

Dilazep: Coronary vasodilator with some antiarrhythmic activity.
benzoate ester;
diazepane;
diester;
methoxybenzenes
cardioprotective agent;
platelet aggregation inhibitor;
vasodilator agent
benzophenonebenzophenone : The simplest member of the class of benzophenones, being formaldehyde in which both hydrogens are replaced by phenyl groups.benzophenonesphotosensitizing agent;
plant metabolite
valproic acidvalproic acid : A branched-chain saturated fatty acid that comprises of a propyl substituent on a pentanoic acid stem.

Valproic Acid: A fatty acid with anticonvulsant and anti-manic properties that is used in the treatment of EPILEPSY and BIPOLAR DISORDER. The mechanisms of its therapeutic actions are not well understood. It may act by increasing GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID levels in the brain or by altering the properties of VOLTAGE-GATED SODIUM CHANNELS.
branched-chain fatty acid;
branched-chain saturated fatty acid
anticonvulsant;
antimanic drug;
EC 3.5.1.98 (histone deacetylase) inhibitor;
GABA agent;
neuroprotective agent;
psychotropic drug;
teratogenic agent
donepezil2-[(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl]-5,6-dimethoxyindan-1-one : A member of the class of indanones that is 5,6-dimethoxyindan-1-one which is substituted at position 2 by an (N-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl group.

donepezil : A racemate comprising equimolar amounts of (R)- and (S)-donepezil. A centrally acting reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, its main therapeutic use is in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease where it is used to increase cortical acetylcholine.

Donepezil: An indan and piperidine derivative that acts as a selective and reversible inhibitor of ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE. Donepezil is highly selective for the central nervous system and is used in the management of mild to moderate DEMENTIA in ALZHEIMER DISEASE.
aromatic ether;
indanones;
piperidines;
racemate
EC 3.1.1.7 (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitor;
EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor;
nootropic agent
beta-lapachonebeta-lapachone : A benzochromenone that is 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[h]chromene-5,6-dione substituted by geminal methyl groups at position 2. Isolated from Tabebuia avellanedae, it exhibits antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory activities.

beta-lapachone: antineoplastic inhibitor of reverse transcriptase, DNA topoisomerase, and DNA polymerase
benzochromenone;
orthoquinones
anti-inflammatory agent;
antineoplastic agent;
plant metabolite
meperidineMeperidine: A narcotic analgesic that can be used for the relief of most types of moderate to severe pain, including postoperative pain and the pain of labor. Prolonged use may lead to dependence of the morphine type; withdrawal symptoms appear more rapidly than with morphine and are of shorter duration.

pethidine : A piperidinecarboxylate ester that is piperidine which is substituted by a methyl group at position 1 and by phenyl and ethoxycarbonyl groups at position 4. It is an analgesic which is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, including postoperative pain and labour pain.
ethyl ester;
piperidinecarboxylate ester;
tertiary amino compound
antispasmodic drug;
kappa-opioid receptor agonist;
mu-opioid receptor agonist;
opioid analgesic
quinone1,4-benzoquinone : The simplest member of the class of 1,4-benzoquinones, obtained by the formal oxidation of hydroquinone to the corresponding diketone. It is a metabolite of benzene.

benzoquinone : The simplest members of the class of benzoquinones, consisting of cyclohexadiene which is substituted by two oxo groups.

quinone : Compounds having a fully conjugated cyclic dione structure, such as that of benzoquinones, derived from aromatic compounds by conversion of an even number of -CH= groups into -C(=O)- groups with any necessary rearrangement of double bonds (polycyclic and heterocyclic analogues are included).
1,4-benzoquinonescofactor;
human xenobiotic metabolite;
mouse metabolite
acenaphthenequinoneacenaphthoquinone : An orthoquinone that is the 1,2-dioxo derivative of acenaphthene.orthoquinoneschain carrier;
epitope
9,10-phenanthrenequinone9,10-phenanthrenequinone: structurephenanthrenes
5-bromoisatinindolesanticoronaviral agent
isatintribulin: endogenous MONOAMINE OXIDASE inhibitory activity extractable into ethyl acetate found in brain and many mammalian tissues and fluids; ISATIN is a major component; produced in excess following alcohol withdrawal;indoledioneEC 1.4.3.4 (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor;
plant metabolite
chloranilChloranil: A quinone fungicide used for treatment of seeds and foliage.

tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone : A member of the class of 1,4-benzoquiones that is 1,4-benzoquinone in which all four hydrogens are substituted by chlorines.
1,4-benzoquinones;
organochlorine compound
EC 2.7.1.33 (pantothenate kinase) inhibitor;
metabolite
benzoinbenzoins;
secondary alpha-hydroxy ketone
EC 3.1.1.1 (carboxylesterase) inhibitor
dibenzoylmethanedibenzoylmethane : A beta-diketone that is acetylacetone (acac) in which both methyl groups have been replaced by phenyl groups. It is a minor constituent of the root extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and exhibits antimutagenic and anticancer effects.aromatic ketone;
beta-diketone
antimutagen;
antineoplastic agent;
metabolite
benzilbenzil : An alpha-diketone that is ethane-1,2-dione substituted by phenyl groups at positions 1 and 2 respectively.

benzil: structure
alpha-diketone;
aromatic ketone
phenyl trifluoromethyl ketonephenyl trifluoromethyl ketone: converted to trifluoroacetic acid in water
1,3-cyclohexanedione1,3-cyclohexanedione: structure

cyclohexane-1,3-dione : A cyclohexanedione carrying oxo substituents at positions 1 and 3.
beta-diketone;
cyclohexanedione
oleanolic acidhydroxy monocarboxylic acid;
pentacyclic triterpenoid
plant metabolite
dibromsalicildibromsalicil: brominated salicyclic acid deriv; antiplaque antiseptic
1,2-naphthoquinone1,2-naphthoquinone : The parent structure of the family of 1,2-naphthoquinones, in which the oxo groups of the quinone moiety are at positions 1 and 2 of the naphthalene ring. It is a metabolite of naphthalene and is found in diesel exhaust particles.

naphthalene-1,2-dione: structure given in first source
1,2-naphthoquinonesaryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist;
carcinogenic agent
levocarnitine(R)-carnitine : The (R)-enantiomer of carnitine.carnitineantilipemic drug;
nootropic agent;
nutraceutical;
Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite;
water-soluble vitamin (role)
1-acetylisatin1-acetylisatin: structure in first sourceindoledione
1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione : An alpha-diketone that consists of 1-phenylpropane bearing keto substituents at positions 1 and 2. It is found in coffee.

1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione: an oxoglutarate carrier antagonist
alpha-diketone;
aromatic ketone
plant metabolite
2,3-pentanedionepentane-2,3-dione : An alpha-diketone that is pentane substituted at the 2- and 3-positions by oxo groups.alpha-diketone;
methyl ketone
flavouring agent
5-methylisatin5-methylisatin: structure in first source
1,2-cyclohexanedionecyclohexane-1,2-dione : A cyclohexanedione carrying oxo substituents at positions 1 and 2.

cyclohexanedione : Cyclohexanones carrying two oxo substituents.
cyclohexanedione
4-nitrophenyl acetateC-nitro compound;
phenyl acetates
n-methylisatinN-methylisatin: structure given in first source
9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine
acetylacetoneacetylacetone : A beta-diketone that is pentane in which the hydrogens at positions 2 and 4 are replaced by oxo groups.beta-diketone
5-Methoxyisatinindolesanticoronaviral agent
quinaprilquinapril : A member of the class of isoquinolines that is (3S)-2-L-alanyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid in which the alpha-amino group of the alanyl residue has been substituted by a 1-ethoxycarbonyl-4-phenylbutan-2-yl group (the all-S isomer). A prodrug for quinaprilat (by hydrolysis of the ethyl ester to the corresponding carboxylic acid), it is used as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) used (generally as the hydrochloride salt) for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.

Quinapril: A tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative and ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME inhibitor that is used in the treatment of HYPERTENSION and HEART FAILURE.
dicarboxylic acid monoester;
ethyl ester;
isoquinolines;
tertiary carboxamide
antihypertensive agent;
EC 3.4.15.1 (peptidyl-dipeptidase A) inhibitor;
prodrug
cilazapril, anhydrouscilazapril : A pyridazinodiazepine resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of cilazaprilat with ethanol. It is a drug used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.

Cilazapril: One of the ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS (ACE inhibitors) used for hypertension. It is a prodrug that is hydrolyzed after absorption to its main metabolite cilazaprilat.
dicarboxylic acid monoester;
ethyl ester;
pyridazinodiazepine
antihypertensive agent;
EC 3.4.15.1 (peptidyl-dipeptidase A) inhibitor;
prodrug
clopidogrelclopidogrel : A thienopyridine that is 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine in which the hydrogen attached to the nitrogen is replaced by an o-chlorobenzyl group, the methylene hydrogen of which is replaced by a methoxycarbonyl group (the S enantiomer). A P2Y12 receptor antagonist, it is used to inhibit blood clots and prevent heart attacks.

Clopidogrel: A ticlopidine analog and platelet purinergic P2Y receptor antagonist that inhibits adenosine diphosphate-mediated PLATELET AGGREGATION. It is used to prevent THROMBOEMBOLISM in patients with ARTERIAL OCCLUSIVE DISEASES; MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION; STROKE; or ATRIAL FIBRILLATION.
methyl ester;
monochlorobenzenes;
thienopyridine
anticoagulant;
P2Y12 receptor antagonist;
platelet aggregation inhibitor
irinotecancarbamate ester;
delta-lactone;
N-acylpiperidine;
pyranoindolizinoquinoline;
ring assembly;
tertiary alcohol;
tertiary amino compound
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 5.99.1.2 (DNA topoisomerase) inhibitor;
prodrug
capecitabinecapecitabine : A carbamate ester that is cytidine in which the hydrogen at position 5 is replaced by fluorine and in which the amino group attached to position 4 is converted into its N-(penyloxy)carbonyl derivative. Capecitabine is a antineoplastic agent used in the treatment of cancers.

Capecitabine: A deoxycytidine derivative and fluorouracil PRODRUG that is used as an ANTINEOPLASTIC ANTIMETABOLITE in the treatment of COLON CANCER; BREAST CANCER and GASTRIC CANCER.
carbamate ester;
cytidines;
organofluorine compound
antimetabolite;
antineoplastic agent;
prodrug
3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione: a peroxynitrite scavenger isolated from coffee extract; structure in first sourcecyclic ketone
ursolic acidhydroxy monocarboxylic acid;
pentacyclic triterpenoid
geroprotector;
plant metabolite
oseltamiviroseltamivir : A cyclohexenecarboxylate ester that is the ethyl ester of oseltamivir acid. An antiviral prodrug (it is hydrolysed to the active free carboxylic acid in the liver), it is used to slow the spread of influenza.

Oseltamivir: An acetamido cyclohexene that is a structural homolog of SIALIC ACID and inhibits NEURAMINIDASE.
acetamides;
amino acid ester;
cyclohexenecarboxylate ester;
primary amino compound
antiviral drug;
EC 3.2.1.18 (exo-alpha-sialidase) inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
prodrug;
xenobiotic
alpha-furilalpha-furil: structure in first source
4-benzoylbenzoic acid4-carboxybenzophenone: a photosensitizer agent
1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione: has antineoplastic, intercalating, and trypanocidal activities; structure given in first source
2-chloranil
4-nitrophenyl butyratep-nitrophenyl butyrate : A butyrate ester resulting from the formal condensation of the hydroxy group of 4-nitrophenol with the carboxy group of butyric acid.butyrate ester;
C-nitro compound
3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone
gamma-glutamine-4-nitroanilidegamma-glutamine-4-nitroanilide: substrate for glutaminase B.; RN given refers to (L)-isomer
5-Chloro-1H-indole-2,3-dioneindolesanticoronaviral agent
5-iodoisatin5-iodoisatin: structure in first sourceindolesanticoronaviral agent
2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone
anisoin
hydrobenzoinhydrobenzoin: structure in first sourceethanediol
tanshinonetanshinone: from root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge; RN given refers to tanshinone I; cardioprotective agent and neuroprotective agentabietane diterpenoidanticoronaviral agent
san 58035
1,3-indandione1,2-indanedione: use for detection of latent fingerprints on porous surfaces; structure in first source
3-octylthio-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanone3-octylthio-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanone: a pesticide synergist; inhibits juvenile hormone esterase
dexmethylphenidatedexmethylphenidate : A methyl phenyl(piperidin-2-yl)acetate in which both stereocentres have R configuration. It is the active enantiomer in the racemic drug methylphenidate.methyl phenyl(piperidin-2-yl)acetateadrenergic agent
miltironemiltirone: from Salvis miltiorrhiza Bunge; central benzodiazepine receptor ligand; structure given in first sourceabietane diterpenoid
cryptotanshinonecryptotanshinone: from Salvia miltiorrhizaabietane diterpenoidanticoronaviral agent
ibuprofen acyl glucuronideibuprofen acyl glucuronide: structure given in first source; metabolite of ibuprofen; 13% of ibuprofen administered to humans is excreted in urine as its acyl glucuronideterpene glycoside
tanshinone ii atashinone IIA: a cardiovascular agent with antineoplastic activity; isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza; structure in first sourceabietane diterpenoid
naproxen glucuronidenaproxen glucuronide: structure in first source
5-Fluoroisatinindolesanticoronaviral agent
lupeolpentacyclic triterpenoid;
secondary alcohol
anti-inflammatory drug;
plant metabolite
temocaprildipeptide
cocainecocaine : A tropane alkaloid obtained from leaves of the South American shrub Erythroxylon coca.

Cocaine: An alkaloid ester extracted from the leaves of plants including coca. It is a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor and is clinically used for that purpose, particularly in the eye, ear, nose, and throat. It also has powerful central nervous system effects similar to the amphetamines and is a drug of abuse. Cocaine, like amphetamines, acts by multiple mechanisms on brain catecholaminergic neurons; the mechanism of its reinforcing effects is thought to involve inhibition of dopamine uptake.
benzoate ester;
methyl ester;
tertiary amino compound;
tropane alkaloid
adrenergic uptake inhibitor;
central nervous system stimulant;
dopamine uptake inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
local anaesthetic;
mouse metabolite;
plant metabolite;
serotonin uptake inhibitor;
sodium channel blocker;
sympathomimetic agent;
vasoconstrictor agent;
xenobiotic
1-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]indole-2,3-dioneindoles
5-Nitroisatinindolesanticoronaviral agent
delaprildelapril: RN refers to HCl; structure given in first sourcepeptide
benazeprilbenazepril : A benzazepine that is benazeprilat in which the carboxy group of the 2-amino-4-phenylbutanoic acid moiety has been converted to the corresponding ethyl ester. It is used (generally as its hydrochloride salt) as a prodrug for the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor benazeprilat in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.

benazepril: structure given in first source
benzazepine;
dicarboxylic acid monoester;
ethyl ester;
lactam
EC 3.4.15.1 (peptidyl-dipeptidase A) inhibitor;
prodrug
heroinheroin : A morphinane alkaloid that is morphine bearing two acetyl substituents on the O-3 and O-6 positions. As with other opioids, heroin is used as both an analgesic and a recreational drug. Frequent and regular administration is associated with tolerance and physical dependence, which may develop into addiction. Its use includes treatment for acute pain, such as in severe physical trauma, myocardial infarction, post-surgical pain, and chronic pain, including end-stage cancer and other terminal illnesses.

Heroin: A narcotic analgesic that may be habit-forming. It is a controlled substance (opium derivative) listed in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 Parts 329.1, 1308.11 (1987). Sale is forbidden in the United States by Federal statute. (Merck Index, 11th ed)
morphinane alkaloidmu-opioid receptor agonist;
opioid analgesic;
prodrug
6-o-monoacetylmorphine6-O-monoacetylmorphine: RN given refers to parent cpd(5alpha,6alpha)-isomermorphinane alkaloid
imidaprilimidapril : A member of the class of imidazolidines that is (4S)-1-methyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid in which the hydrogen of the imidazolidine nitrogen has been substituted by (1S)-1-{[(2S)-1-ethoxy-1-oxo-4-phenylbutan-2-yl]amino}ethyl group. It is the prodrug for imidaprilat, an ACE inhibitor used for the treatment of chronic heart failure.

imidapril: structure given in first source
dicarboxylic acid monoester;
dipeptide;
ethyl ester;
imidazolidines;
N-acylurea;
secondary amino compound
antihypertensive agent;
EC 3.4.15.1 (peptidyl-dipeptidase A) inhibitor;
prodrug
ol-135
Dihydrotanshinone Idihydrotanshinone I: extracted from Radix Salviaeabietane diterpenoidanticoronaviral agent
t-tucb
23-hydroxybetulinic acid23-hydroxybetulinic acid: structure in first sourcetriterpenoidmetabolite
tanshinone ii a sodium sulfonatetanshinone II A sodium sulfonate: has cardioprotective activity; water-soluble derivative of tanshinone II A; isolated from Salvia militiorrhiza; relieves anginal pain; structure