12-POHSA

Branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) have emerged as significant regulators of metabolic processes, influenced by dietary changes such as fasting and high-fat diets, and are linked to improved insulin sensitivity in mice. These compounds typically feature a fatty acid chain, either C-16 or C-18 in length (for example, palmitoleic, palmitic, oleic, or stearic acid), esterified to a hydroxy fatty acid of similar length. A specific FAHFA, 12-POHSA, involves the esterification of palmitoleic acid to the 12th carbon of stearic acid. Notably, 12-POHSA levels are markedly higher in the serum of AG4OX mice, which exhibit enhanced glucose tolerance due to overexpression of the Glut4 glucose transporter in adipose tissue. Given the capacity of FAHFAs to enhance glucose tolerance, stimulate insulin secretion, and exert anti-inflammatory actions, 12-POHSA holds potential as a bioactive lipid implicated in managing metabolic syndrome and inflammation.