Mechanism of long chain fatty acids intestinal absorption : emerging role of CD36

Excessive lipid intake, associated with a qualitative imbalance, favors the development of obesity and associated diseases. Among the organs involved in lipid homeostasis, the small intestine remains the most poorly known although it is responsible for the lipid bioavailability and largely contributes to the regulation of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. The mechanism of long chain fatty acid (LCFA) intestinal absorption is not totally elucidated. The synthesis of recent literature indicates that the intestine is able to adapt its absorption capacity to the fat content of the diet. This adaptation takes place through a fat-coordinated induction of LBP and apolipoproteins. CD36 could operate as a lipid sensor responsible for a transducing signal related to the lipid content of the diet at the origin of this intestinal adaptation. This lipid-mediated metabolic response may lead to the formation of large chylomicrons rapidly degraded in the blood. All together, these new data indicate that this intestinal lipid sensing mechanism may be a therapeutic target for reducing the postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and associated cardiovascular risks. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of Societe francaise de nutrition.