B1 revision targeted decks Flashcards
Histology
Describe features of neural tissue
- Cellular Elements
- Neuron (Nerve Cell)
- Neuroglial Cells
– central neurglia (astrocyte,
oligodendrocyte, microglia and ependymal
cell)
– peripheral neuroglia (schwann cell in
nerve and ganglion satellite (capsular) cell
in ganglion) - Intercellular Substance: extremely small amount
CNS:
* Neurons and their processes
* Glial cells
– Oligodendrocytes: small round dense homogenous nucleus, cytoplasmic processes wrap axons to form myelin
– Astrocytes:processes, pale chromatin, round to oval nuclei, physical and metabolic support to neurons
– Microglia: elongated irregularly shaped nucleus, clumped chromatin, mesodermal origin, same origin as monocytes, fixed macrophage
– Ependymal cells: line ventricles, ciliated, cuboidal or low columnar, lack of tight junctions
* Collagen only found around
blood vessels
* Meninges –surrounds brain: dura mater, dense fibroelastic tissue
* Choroid plexus: capillaries and choroid cells with microvilli, arises wall of ventricles, makes CSF
Histology
Describe connective tissue types and components
Ordinary connective tissues (connective tissue proper)
Loose ordinary connective tissue: mesenchyme, areolar, mucoid, reticular, adipose white and brown
Dense ordinary connective tissue - irregular or regular
Specialised connective tissues
Adipose tissue
Blood and blood forming tissues
Cartilage
Bone
Elastic tissue
*Cells - indigenous
*Fixed - Fibroblasts, Reticulocytes,
Adipocytes
*Wandering - Macrophages, Mast cells,
Eosinophils, Lymphocytes, Plasma cells
- migratory
*Neutrophils, Eosinophils
*Lymphocytes, Monocytes
*Extracellular matrix
*Fibres:
*Collagen
*Reticular fibres
*Elastic fibres
*Ground substance
*Proteoglycans, water, salts and other
low molecular substances
- migratory
List and describe the features of the three types of muscle
Skeletal muscle:
Both types found in all human muscles in different proportions
Type 1: Slow contraction -
Aerobic, using oxidative phosphorylation, many mitochondria.
Cells contain large amount of myoglobin (O 2 storage - red
colour), many capillaries
Type 2: Fast contraction -
Anaerobic, using glycolysis, therefore rich in glycogen,
white colour
—
Muscle fibres contain myofibrils
Myofibrils are elongated cylindrical
structures made up of contractile proteins
Cross striations of striated muscle is due to
the ordered arrangement of these
contractile proteins
— The dark A band is made of thick myosin
filaments
The light I band is made of thin actin filaments
The Z bands mark the anchor points of the
actin filaments
Triads (terminal cisternae and T tubules) at A-I
junctions
—
Not striated
Small cells spindle shaped, single central oval nucelus
still have actin and myosin, No Z, but dense bodies and attachement junctions
Involuntary
Under autonomic and hormonal control
Visceral structures
Enables continual contractions of low force
Synaptic control: unitary/multiple; phasic and tonic
—
Elongated cells
Central nuclei
Branching fibres with intercalated discs
Contractile proteins arranged similarly to skeletal
muscle
Cross striations
Contractile units: sarcomeres made of myosin
and actin
Sarcoplasmic reticulum
and T tubules similar to
skeletal muscle
T tubules are larger
and located at the level
of the Z disc
Contractile proteins
arranged similarly to
skeletal muscle
Intercalated Discs
Made of 3 types of membrane
contacts
Fascia adherens
site of actin filament insertion
Desmosomes
anchorage for intermediate
filaments
Gap junctions
pores with low electrical resistance
enabling ion and molecule transfer
between the cells → coordinated
contraction
List the gap junctions between epithelial cells and briefly describe them
Three are different types of connecting junctions, that bind the cells together.
occluding junctions (zonula occludens or tight junctions)
adhering junctions (zonula adherens).
desmosomes (macula adherens). There are also ‘hemidesmosomes’ that lie on the basal membrane, to help stick the cells to the underlying basal lamina.
Gap junctions. These are communicating junctions. (also known as nexus, septate junction)
List types of cartilage and describe the process of cartilage formation
- hyaline cartilage: articular cartilage, glassy blue
- fibrocartilage: white, eg IV discs
- elastic cartilage: yellow, found in ears
- Begins fifth week of life
- Precursor cells become rounded and form densely packed cellular
masses, centres of chondrification. The cartilage-forming cells,
chondroblasts, begin to secrete the components of the extracellular
matrix of cartilage - As amount of matrix increases chondroblasts become separated from
each other - Chondroblasts become isolated in small cavities within the matrix
lacunae - Chondroblasts differentiate into mature cartilage cells
chondrocytes
Cartilage growth occurs by two mechanisms:
* Interstitial growth
* Appositional growth
Interstitial growth
* Chondroblasts within
existing cartilage divide and
form small groups of cells,
which produce matrix to
become separated from
each other by a thin
partition of matrix
* Interstitial growth occurs
mainly in immature
cartilage
Appositional growth
Mesenchymal cells surrounding
cartilage in the deep part of
perichondrium (or the chondrogenic
layer) differentiate into
chondroblasts. Appositional growth
also occurs in immature and mature
cartilage
Pathology
Describe the components of tymour survival, and steps of malignant transformation
Two key basic components of a neoplasm:
- proliferating neoplastic cells - these determine the behaviour and outcome of the neoplasm
- stromal component/desmoplastic stroma - which is responsible for the neoplasm’s growth and evolution
- Malignant transformation of target cells
- cell cycle inhibitors work on G1 cell cycle checkpoint. Key cyclin here is cyclin D/CDK4
- p53 or “guardian of the genome”, is key molecule at G2 cell cycle checkpoint. Often perturbation of p53 is associated with cancer development - Proliferation and accumulation of transformed cells
Proliferation determines the rate of neoplasm growth.
Transformed cells accumulate due to two factors:
- inhibition of apoptosis ^[[[Pathology Lecture 5]]]
- telomerase activity, which confers limitless replicative potential - Local invasion
Invasion is a biological hallmark of malignant tumours, as defined as tissue moving into sites where they should not be.
Invasion is facilitated by the loss of adhesion molecules on neoplastic cells ^[aka non-functional or absent desmosomes]. - Distant metastasis
Distant metastasis is defined as the presence of neoplastic implants at a site away from the primary tumour.
It is a hallmark of malignant neoplasms (along with invasion).
Pathology
- Define the acute phase response, outline the cells involved
The acute phase response (APR) is a prominent systemic reaction of the organism to local or systemic disturbances in its homeostasis caused by infection, tissue injury, trauma or surgery, neoplastic growth or immunological disorders.
The acute-phase reaction characteristically involves fever, acceleration of peripheral leukocytes, circulating neutrophils and their precursors.
n response to injury, local inflammatory cells (neutrophil granulocytes and macrophages) secrete a number of cytokines into the bloodstream, most notable of which are the interleukins IL1, and IL6, and TNF-α. The liver responds by producing many acute-phase reactants. Positive acute-phase proteins serve (as part of the innate immune system) different physiological functions within the immune system. Some act to destroy or inhibit growth of microbes, e.g., C-reactive protein, mannose-binding protein,[3] complement factors, ferritin, ceruloplasmin, serum amyloid A and haptoglobin. Note EST correlates with CRP and other acute phase proteins, but is not direct—depends on elevation of fibrinogen.
Pathology
List the features of malignancy
Cytological features:
- variable cell size and shape (cellular pleomorphism) ^[pleomorphism = variation in appearance]
- variable nuclear size and shape (nuclear pleomorphism)
- increased nuclear- cytoplasmic ratio (normal 1:4, 1:6 – ratio in neoplastic cells may approach 1:1)
- hyperchromatic nuclei (increased DNA, on haematoxylin and eosin, looks more ‘blue’)
- increased mitosis/abnormal mitosis
- tumour (neoplastic) giant cells
Architectural features:
- refers to how the cells relate to each other, the arrangement of cells with respect to each other
- another way to think about it is organisation
- in general, benign neoplasms are orderly, and benign neoplasms tend to grow by expansion, and is often associated with capsule, while malignant neoplasms are disordered, and malignant neoplasms infiltrate and ‘penetrate neighbouring tissues with hostile intent’
Pathology
- Distinguish between granuloma and granulation tissue
Granulomatous inflammation is a special type of chronic inflammation.
A granuloma is a collection of activated (epithelioid) macrophages, often surrounded by T lymphocytes, sometimes with central necrosis.
- Granulomata are small - usually microscopic
- Granulomata form in order to try to contain an offending agent that is difficult to eradicate e.g. foreign material (sutures), some infections
- activated macrophages develop abundant cytoplasm and begin to resemble epithelial cells i.e. epithelioid histiocytes
- macrophages may fuse to form multinucleated giant cells
Formation of granulation tissue: fibroblasts, loose connective tissue, new blood vessels and interspersed leukocytes. Normal part of scar formation, general feature of chronic inflammation.
Pathology
Describe processes of wound healing and repair
There are two pathways to repair:
- regeneration
- scar formation
Regeneration can take place in tissues with labile and stable tissues when tissue damage isn’t extensive.
Regeneration can occur via two mechanisms:
- proliferation of mature cells
- proliferation and differentiation of tissue stem cells
The restoration of tissue architecture can only occur if the tissue is generally structurally intact.
Three broad steps:
1. Priming via cytokine signals
2. Growth factor phase: stimulate gne expression, cell cycle enry and replication
3. Termination phase- back to quiescent state
Scarring:
1. Inflammation – leukocyte invasion
2. Angiogenesis due to gfs
3. Granulation tissue formation
4. Connective etissue deposition by fibroblasts eg ECM
5. Contraction of scar by myofibroblasts
6. Remodelling – stable fibrous scar
Can heal by primary intention: when the injury only involved the epithelial layer, with only focal BM disruption and connective tissue/cell death or secondary: cell and tissue loss is extensive.
Primary steps:
- In the immediate: a blood clot forms
- Within 24 hours, inflammation occurs, infiltration of PMNs
- Within 24 to 48 hours, epithelial cells migrate from the edges of the wound
- On day 3, macrophages predominate, and granulation tissue begins to migrate
- On day 5, VEGF= peak neovascularisation (of leaky vessels), ECM deposition
- After 1 week: continued collagen and ECM deposition, and vascular regression (strength decreased to 10% of normal)
- After 1 month, an established scar is formed, with minimal inflammation, epidermis repaired, adnexal structures , i.e. appendages, lost
- Onwards, scar matures and increases in strength i.e. 70-80% of normal
Note in healing by secondary intention, much more granulation tissue is formed.
Note that the timeline of healing by secondary intention is similar to the processes involved in primary intention. The major differences include:
- larger clot
- more necrosis
- more inflammation
- more granulation tissue formed
- wound contraction is important
Clinical disciplines/pathology/haematology
List the types of anaemia and the changes you would expect
Physiology
List the causes of shock and responses by the body
Physiological shock is a state of cardiovascular dysfunction resulting in generalised inadequacy of oxygen delivery or DO2, relative to the metabolic requirements.
In other words, an imbalance.
- Hypovolaemic
The primary problem is:
- intravascular volume loss: bleeding/lose excess fluid from gut or kidneys
- Inadequate stretch of muscle fibres
- inadequate volume into heart i.e. pre-load
- Low stroke volume
- Low cardiac output
- DO2 = (SV x HR) x ([Hb] x SaO2 x 1.39) + PaO2 x 0.003
Response: - Tachycardia (CO = ↓SV x ↑HR)
- Vasoconstriction (BP = ↓CO x ↑TPR) (cold peripherally and pale)
- Sympathetic outflow (sweating)
Treatment:
- replace whichever fluid has been lost
- correct underlying problem e.g. thirst, diabetic ketoacidosis, fluid replacement, and insulin treatment
- Cardiogenic shock
- Failing heart (myocardial infarct, cardiomyopathy)
- Too much stretch of myocardial fibre
- Low stroke volume
- Low cardiac output
DO2 = (SV x HR) x ([Hb] x SaO2 x 1.39) + PaO2 x 0.003
Response:
- Tachycardia (CO = ↓SV x ↑HR)
- Vasoconstriction (BP = ↓CO x ↑TPR)
(cold peripherally and pale)
- Sympathetic outflow (sweating)
Treatment:
- inotropes
- fluid restriction
- diuretics
- correct underlying problem (ischaemia, valve)
~Similarities between hypovolaemic and cardiogenic shock~
Primary problem:
- Hypovolaemia: inadequate filling of heart, low stroke volume
- Cardiogenic shock: low stroke volume (due to failing heart: contractility and valvular dysfunction)
Response:
- sympathetic outflow (sweating)
- tachycardia
- vasoconstriction (cold peripherally, tachycardiac, sweaty)
~ Differences~
- Hypovolaemia:
- postural hypotension
- invisible JVP or low CVP
- evidence of loss: blood, negative fluid balance, diarrhea, vomiting
- Cardiogenic:
- signs of heart failure: raised JVP, oedema (pulmonary and peripheral), gallop rhythm
- reasons for heart failure: arrhythmia, ischaemia/infarct, VSD, valve failure
- Septic shock
Primary problem:
Initially:
- excessive cytokine release (infection, inflammation)
- peripheral vasodilation (dec. BP = CO x dec. TPR)
- reduced venous return to heart
- reduced stroke volume
- reduced cardiac output
More complicated:
- treatment includes supplementing with fluids
- improves preload and hence stroke volume
- already tachycardiac (temperature)
- improves cardiac outpit, often massively, in low resistance system
- huge DO2, but:
- still vasodilated (warm) with adequate pre-load, BP remains low
- and cells cannot utilise oxygen
Two stages:
1. decreased preload to heart (low cardiac output)
2. with fluids, large cardiac output, but low BP - need pressure gradient for there to be flow
Treatment:
- correct underlying problem
- volume resuscitation
- vasoconstriction
- antibodies
- Obstructive shock
Primary problem:
Inadequate volume into the (left or right) heart
- Good systemic venous return
- Inadequate filling of the heart eg cardiac tamponade ^[cardiac tamponade** a dangerous situation in which there is a build-up of fluid around the heart within the pericardial sac. This causes compression of the heart, which is therefore unable to fill with blood adequately in order to pump effectively], pulmonary embolus
- Reduced Stroke Volume
- Reduced Cardiac Output
DO2 = (SV x HR) x ([Hb] x SaO2 x 1.39) + PaO2 x 0.003
Response:
- Tachycardia (CO = ↓SV x ↑HR)
- Vasoconstriction (BP = ↓CO x ↑TPR) (cold peripherally and pale)
- Sympathetic outflow (sweating)
- raised JVP
- pulsus pardoxus
Treatment:
Depends on aetiology
- cardiac tamponade: fill the right heart as much as possible, drain the fluid as quickly as possible
- pulmonary embolus: thrombolysis, ongoing anticoagulation
Physiology
Describe the oxygen delivery equation, why oxygen is important, and list and describe the determinants of oxygen delivery
Oxygen is important in physiology because it is the terminal electron acceptor at the end of the electron transport chain in the mitochondria ([[Biochemistry Lecture 8]]). It is thus integral to aerobic respiration and the generation of (a lot of ) ATP.
In other words, oxygen is necessary for energy production.
Energy is generated by catabolising macromolecules i.e. sugars, fats and amino acids.
Catabolism of all three macromolecules consumes oxygen and produces or releases carbon dioxide. However, the ratio of oxygen consumed to carbon dioxide produced is different. This ratio can be expressed as the respiratory quotient (RQ).
DO = C0 Xaoc
= svhr * (Hb conc sao21.39 + paO20.003)
Biochemistry
List and describe the steps of cholesterol synthesis
There are five main steps to cholesterol synthesis:
1. Mevalonate synthesis in the cytosol: 3 moleciles molecules of acetyl CoA used
- Reaction sequence identical to KB synthesis
- But reactions are cytosolic and HMG- CRA reductase catalyses the committed step
- Enzyme attached to ER membrane
- Irreversible reaction
- Regulated step of pathway
note: this is essentially the reverse of ketone body synthesis (swapping out lyase for reductase)
2. Isoprene formation or activation. 2 isoprenoids are formed, and this has an energy cost
3. activated isoprenes are used in the condensation to squalene (6 used).
4. Squalene undergoes ring closure, this occurs in the ER
5. Cholesterol is formed
Describe the link between gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis
The carbon skeletons of amino acids may proceed to form either glucose or ketone bodies (a fuel source that brain cells can use in starvation). In other words the C skeleton can be metabolised for energy release.
Carbon skeletons that lead to glucose are said to be glucogenic e.g. alanine. Carbon skeletons that lead to ketone bodies are said to be ketognenic.
note that there are also ‘mixed’ amino acids i.e. Phe, Trp and Tyr.
Describe glucose storage
Storage of carbohydrates for energy provision
The ‘normal’ blood glucose of a healthy adult is between 3.6 to 5.8 mM.
Post meal levels may rise to 7.8 mM in non-diabetics. The recommended post-meal level for healthy adults is less than 10 mM. ^[the calculation for these values in terms of amount: 75 kg male, blood volume of 5L, 5.5 mM corresponds to 5 g of glucose]
In order to maintain this range of glucose concentrations, there must be a mechanism for glucose uptake (storage) and mobilisation.
The liver is the organ primarily responsible for glucose uptake. If the concentration of glucose falls below 4 mM, there is low hepatic uptake. However, if the concentration increases higher than 7mM, there is increased hepatic uptake.
(note that between 4 and 7 mM, not much uptake?)
The properties of uptake are controlled by the characteristics of GLUT-2 transporter proteins. In other words it constitutes a key regulatory mechanism. [[Physiology Lecture 2]].
The key players of glucose storage
GLUT-2 works to uptake glucose into hepatocytes (ergo, GLUT-2 is found in the liver). GLUT-2 engages in facilitated (passive) transport. It is a ?low affinity, and high capacity process, and is insulin insensitive.
Notably, GLUT-2 is not strictly glucose specific, and can transport galactose and fructose.
Enzymes, glucokinase in the liver and hexokinase elsewhere (notably in the muscle), phosphorylate glucose to glucose-6-phosphate. Not that although glucokinase has higher affinity (high Km) for glucose compared to hexokinase, their main purpose is the same: to maintain the glucose gradient into the cell by ensuring glucose goes into the appropriate cell.
List and describe the bypass reactions of gluconeogenesis
REACTION 1:
* pyruvate carboxylase enzyme
* ATP dependent reaction
* carboxylation of pyruvate
* mitochondrial reaction
REACTION 2:
* PEP carboxy-kinase enzyme
* ATP dependent reaction
* cytosolic reaction
PFK1
* Phosphofructokinase-1
* pace-setting of glycolysis
* reaction driven to completion
* reverse reaction unfavourable
F1,6bPase
* Fructose-1,6-bis-phosphatase
* de-phosphorylation
Not a simple reversible reaction
Step requires distinct enzyme to glycolysis
Reciprocal regulation of enzyme activity
The final release
Energy precludes the reverse of the hexokinase/glucokinase reaction
(ATP dependent)
Energy considerations again!
The enzyme is glucose-6-phosphatase
G6-Pase is found only in liver/kidney
These tissues participate in gluconeogenesis and provide
glucose for peripheral tissues
Glucose (but not glucose-6-phosphate) can leave cells via GLUT
List some fates of cholesterol
There are many utilizations of cholesterol and its derivatives in the body.
Esterification
Synthesised cholesterol is exported to peripheral tissues, the transport of synthesized cholesterol occurs from the liver via lipoproteins. The primary storage particles for cholesterol are LDLs. Cholesterol is converted to an ester form, which increases its hydrophobicity. ACAT is an enzyme found in the liver, which adds a fatty acid to cholesterol to form cholesterol esters. L-CAT transfers an acyl group from PC which are found in HDL particles.
Bile components i.e., using fat to digest fat
Cholic acid or bile acids are polar versions of cholesterol. They are synthesized in the liver and are stored in the gallbladder and then released to bile. Colonic acid or bile acids have detergents like properties which worked to break down or emulsify fatty acids. Thus, they have a role in solubilising dietary lipids.
Glycolic acid
Bile salts are conjugated bile acids. They are hydrophilic and are found in the small intestine. Glycine and taurine are frequent conjugates. Bile salts also have detergent like properties and work to solubilise dietary lipids.
Hormones
Progesterone is a steroid precursor. It prepares the uterus for implantation and prevents ovulation. Cortisol is another hormone derived from cholesterol. It promotes gluconeogenesis and suppresses inflammation. Testosterone is another cholesterol derived hormone which promotes male sex development and maintains characteristics. Estradiol is a another cholesterol derived hormone which promotes female sex development and maintains characteristics.
Describe the process of glycolysis and maintenance
The glycolytic pathway is the primary reaction involved in the catabolism (oxidation) of glucose.
In summary:
![[Pasted image 20230315133112.png]]
Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of the cells.
It is the partial oxidation of glucose, yielding two 3C molecules known as pyruvate. It also generates 2 ATP (net) per glucose, and also generates the reduced co-factor NADH (2 per molecule of glucose).
Glycolysis links to the TCA cycle for complete glucose oxidation. It also links to the anabolic pentose phosphate pathway.
The glycolytic pathway is responsive to the cellular state and to hormones.
The pathway occurs under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It is a vital pathway for erythrocytes(how does it do this?) as well as the brain.
The complete pathway is shown below
![[Pasted image 20230315133506.png]]
Some important takeaways from this:
- The first step, catalysed by hexokinase, is an energy dependent step i.e. requires ATP (recall also that the enzyme in the liver is glucokinase)
- The third step, catalysed by PFK-1, is a energy dependent step. It is also the first committed step of glycolysis, and is thus highly regulated
- At step 4, 3 carbon compounds are produced from fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (‘snapped in half’) which are inter-convertible
- At step 5, the generation of 1,3 bisphosphoglycerate, catalysed by GA3DPH, generates a reduced cofactor NADH, which links to TCA cycle
(note that low NAD+ concentration limits glycolysis, i.e. energy has been produced?)
- The production of 3-phosphoglycerate generates ATP (2 per molecule of glucose, 1 per 3C compound). This balances the earlier loss of ATP
- The final step which converts PEP to pyruvate also generates ATP(2 per molecule of glucose, 1 per 3C compound). It is catalysed by PK, and this step is also highly regulated.
In order for glycolysis to continue, we need a continual supply of NAD. Thus NADH generated in glycolysis keeps it going through the TCA cycle, regenerating NAD which returns to glycolysis
n.b. this process requires the presence of oxygen
Under aerobic conditions, NAD+ generated via the TCA cycle is returned to cytoplasm via shuttle system from mitochondria. NADH is generated from the conversion of GA3P to 1,3bPG and enters the TCA cycle, and the cycle repeats.
However, under anaerobic conditions, NAD+ must be generated via a different mechanism. Instead of entering the TCA cycle via the acetyl CoA ?link reaction, pyruvate is shunted* to lactate by LDH, this regenerates NAD+ which returns to the GA3P->1,3bPG reaction, and then lactate is recycled by ?liver.
![[Pasted image 20230315134738.png]]
Note: glycolysis is a linear metabolic pathway, with three metabolic pools. These pools represent inter-convertible intermediates. The reactions linking these pools e.g. F6P to F16bP, 1,3bPG to 3PG, and PEP to pyruvate, are key steps and are controlled.
Describe fatty acid translocation and catabolism
Three main steps are involved:
1. Acyl CoA conversion i.e. activated fatty acid converted to acyl carnitine by action of CAT1. This conversion or modification is required so that it can be translocated across the membrane
2. Acyl carnitine transported into the mitochondrial matrix by an antiporter (acyl carnitine in, carnitine out)
3. Acyl CoA liberation i.e. the regeneration of acyl CoA with CoASH, by action of CAT2. The acyl CoA can then go on to b-oxidation. This also liberates carnitine which can be transported back
—
There are four main steps that comprise fatty acid catabolism:
1. Oxidation (which reduces FAD to FADH2)
2. Hydration (addition with H20)
3. Oxidation (which reduces NAD+ to NADH)
4. Thiolation (via action of CoASH)
Can cycle through this process multiple times in order to get more NADH and FADH2
A focus on β-oxidation
This process occurs entirely within the mitochondrial matrix. It is termed β-oxidation simply because the β-carbon is the one that gets oxidised.
The entire reaction effectively strips 2 carbons per cycle, and these are liberated as acetyl-CoA ^[this can go on to enter the TCA cycle, generating energy via downstream oxidative phosphorylation). A new (n-2) acyl-CoA rejoins the process, and continues until a single 2C acetyl CoA molecule is produced, which can enter the TCA cycle.
The two reduced cofactors FADH2 and NADH can also go on to enter the TCA cycle to undergo oxidation (and also to generate more energy for the cell)
note that from a single fatty acid molecule: n/2 acetyl CoA molecules, (n/2 -2) FADH2 and NADH are generated, all of which can go on to the TCA cycle and generate energy. This makes fatty acids a very energy dense molecule, when compared with carbohydrates and proteins i.e. it is a more energy efficient process (higher yield) ^[glucose yields about 36 ATP, a 16C fatty acid will generate 129 ATP]
Biochemistry
Describe the steps of ketone body synthesis and the utilisation of KBs
HI
Mitochondrial enzymes of the hepatocytes engage in KB synthesis. Synthesis is constant.
- Two Acetyl- CoA molecules condense to form acetoacetyl CoA by the action of thiolase, which removes a CoASH.
- HMG-CoA synthase then catalyses the second step, converting acetoacetylCoA to HMG CoA, using the input of an acetyl-CoA and the removal of a CoASH group
HMG-CoA lyase removes an aetyl-CoA group in order to synthesise aceto-acetate
aceto-acetate can then be converted to acetone (by removal of Co2, non-enzymatically) ^[see also: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493179/] or b-hydroxy-butyrate (using an NADH, and the action of b-hydroxy-butyrate dehydrogenase)
The process of ketone bodies as a fuel is a truncated i.e. 3step process, which also occurs in the mitochondria.
1. Once KBs reach extra-hepatic tissues, b-hydroxy-butyrate is converted back to acetoacetate by b-hydroxy-butyrate dehydrogenase (This generates an NADH)
2. Aceto-acetate is then converted back to aceto-acetyl CoA by keto-acyl-CoA transferase (this also converts succinyl-CoA to succinate) ^[[Biochemistry Lecture 7]]
3. Aceto-acetate CoA is then broken down into two acetyl-CoA molecules by thiolase
4. These acetyl-CoA molecules can then enter the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation for energy i.e. ATP generation
note: virtually all enzymes involved in KB utilisation are the same as in synthesis, ‘moving backwards’ from KBs to acetyl-CoA. Only key difference is keto acyl-CoA transferase; this is an enzyme not found in the liver as liver is an exporter not a user. ^[note a potential exam question]
Describe glucose mobilisation
There are three main processes of the storage and mobilisation of carbohydrates, they include:
- glycogenesis (GG): this occurs following meals. Glucose is stored as glycogen.
- glycogenolysis (GGL): the rapid mobilisation of glucose from storage
- gluconeogenesis (GNG): the synthesis of glucose during prolonged fasting (starvation)
These processes ensure that there is sufficient glucose supply to the brain, while also utilising and scavenging glucose precursors.
~ A closer look at glycogen~
Glycogen, as previously described, is the glucose storage form in (animal) cells. It is a polymer of glucose linked together by a -1,4- glycosidic bonds. At 8 to 10 residue spacing along the chain, the glycogen molecule has branch points, which are connected to the main chain via a -1,6- glycosidic bonds.
The initial residues are joined on the glycogenin primer (which is an enzyme).
There are two key enzymes in the build-up and breakdown of glycogen.
Glycogen synthase catalyses of glucose addition i.e. glycogen synthesis. Addition occurs via UDP-glucose. Note that glycogen synthase cannot generate the a -1,6 glycosidic bond, as so a branching enzymes adds a segment of a polysaccharide (consisting of 6-7 glucose molecules).
Glycogen phosphorylase catalyses glycogen degradation. The reaction involves phosphorolytic cleavage. Similar to glycogen synthase, a separate enzyme, a debranching enzymes is needed to tackle the a-1,6 glycosidic bond.
Describe the entry of carbohydrates, amino acids and FAs into TCA
The entry of carbohydrates into the TCA cycle is influenced by hormonal signals i.e. adrenaline and glucagon.
Entry is also controlled by cellular redox status ^[potential exam question]: a decrease in the ATP/ADP ratio and NADH/NAD ratio ^[a high ATP/NADH signals that there is no need for GL and carbohydrate catabolism, there is enough].
The targets for control include:
- glycogen phosphorylase
- glycogen synthase
- hexokinase
- PFK-1 (catalyses the rate-limiting step in glycolysis and change concentration of ATP)
- pyruvate kinase
Mitochondrial entry: glycolytic products
Glycolysis ends at the formation of pyruvate ^[assuming that glycolysis proceeded under anaerobic conditions], and pyruvate enters the mitochondria via a carrier (a hydroxyl antiporter). Lactate may also be shunted back to pyruvate.
![[Pasted image 20230325222800.png]]
note: aCoA comes from glycolysis and b-oxidation; reaction is a favourable reaction.
PDH catalyses the reaction, and is not actullay a single enzyme but rather an enzyme complex (5 in one). The reaction releases energy i.e. is exergonic and therefore is essentially irreversible.
PDH requires TPP, lipoic acid and FAD as cofactors, and is inhibited by ATP, acetyl-CoA and NADH.
The carbohydrate link reaction
This occurs after glycolysis, links pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.
![[Pasted image 20230325223125.png]]
The link reaction consists of four steps:
1. Decarboxylation involves assistance (a TPP prosthetic)
2. Oxidation–transfers electrons to lipoamide
3. Transfer reaction which utilises CoASH
4. Oxidation transfers electrons to FAD, and to NADH, and regenerate lipoamide ^[a small cycle in the linear path]
The reaction is highly regulated by both energy status and hormones e.g. high ATP, NADH, energy status (if high, no need for link reaction).
A focus on β-oxidation ^[note implications for altered metabolism in cancer, see x]
This process occurs entirely within the mitochondrial matrix. It is termed β-oxidation simply because the β-carbon is the one that gets oxidised.
The entire reaction effectively strips 2 carbons per cycle, and these are liberated as acetyl-CoA ^[this can go on to enter the TCA cycle, generating energy via downstream oxidative phosphorylation). A new (n-2) acyl-CoA rejoins the process, and continues until a single 2C acetyl CoA molecule is produced, which can enter the TCA cycle.
The two reduced cofactors FADH2 and NADH can also go on to enter the TCA cycle to undergo oxidation (and also to generate more energy for the cell)
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recall the dynamic nature of amino acid ‘pool’.
Amino acids and TCA cycle intermediates are interchangeable.
Entry may be via many points; several enter via pyruvate
Biochemistry
Describe the synthesis of fatty acids
Entry to fatty acid synthesis occurs after the commitment step. It involves:
- 1: transfer of malonyl-CoA with ACP
- 2: condensation: losing CO2 and ACP, and joining either acetyl-ACP (if it is the first molecule in the chain) or acyl-ACP if joining a growing chain.
- 3: Reduction: which involves the formation of an oxidised cofactor NADP*
- 4: Dehydration
- 5: Reduction: which again results in the formation of an oxidised cofactor NADP*
note that in steps 3-5, a double bond is lost. This is to ensure the production of a linear, stable, unbranched, saturated hydrocarbon chain
- 6: resetting i.e. repeating the cycle with a new malonyl-CoA