Here, there and everywhere. A multi organ approach to acylcarnitine metabolism

In this thesis, we investigated acylcarnitines in plasma and insulin sensitive tissues in fasted, fed and a high fat diet (HFD)-induced, insulin resistant state. Acylcarnitines are fatty acid oxidation intermediates. They comprise of a fatty acid bound to carnitine, so that the fatty acid can enter the otherwise impermeable mitochondrion for oxidation purposes. By studying acylcarnitine concentrations, kinetics, and fluxes, we aimed to understand whole body acylcarnitine metabolism under different metabolic circumstances, including pathological conditions such as insulin resistance characterized by derangements in acylcarnitine profiles.