Lipid metabolism is an important and complex biochemical process involved in the storage of energy and maintenance of normal biological functions. Leucine, a branched amino acid, has anti-obesity effects on glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Leucine also modulates mitochondrial dysfunction, representing a new strategy to target aging, neurodegenerative disease, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Although various studies have been carried out, much uncertainty still exists and further studies are required to fully elucidate the relationship between leucine and lipid metabolism. This review offers an up-to-date report on leucine, as key roles in both lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis in vivo and in vitro by acceleration of fatty acid oxidation, lipolysis, activation of the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-silent information regulator of transcription 1 (SIRT1)-proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) pathway, synthesis, and/or secretion of adipokines and stability of the gut microbiota.
Keywords: adipokine; energy axis; leucine; lipid metabolism; microbiota.