Metabolism Made Easy

A J Ghalayini, Ph.D.
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Metabolism Made Easy

This podcast describes selected biochemistry content that could be useful to premedical/medical students. Similar content (podcasts and videos) is available at: https://medbiochem.org/ or check out my YouTube channel: Metabolism Made Easy These podcasts and videos cover selected topics in medical biochemistry. A J Ghalayini, Ph.D. Bio for Dr. Ghalayini: Dr. Ghalayini received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Houston, Houston, Texas. He has over 3 decades of experience in research and medical education as professor of biochemistry at 5 different universities.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Mitochondrial Catabolism: A Summary

    This podcast covers the key catabolic pathways in the mitochondria, including : 1. The 3 catabolic pathways of carbohydrates and fatty acids; 2. The roe of Acetyl CoA as a common metabolite and its dietary sources; 3. The TCA cycle and its energy output; 4. Fatty acid beta oxidation and its energy output; and 5. A comparison of energy (ATP/ CO2) output from glucose, fatty acids, ketone bodies, and amino acids.

    7 min
  2. Breakdown of Stored Fat by Epinephrine-AI Podcast

    FEB 24

    Breakdown of Stored Fat by Epinephrine-AI Podcast

    The podcast explains how exercise or fasting raises epinephrine levels in the blood. Epinephrine then stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors in fat tissue, boosting the breakdown of stored triglycerides. This activation initiates a cascade, increasing cyclic AMP and activating protein kinase A. Protein kinase A then triggers hormone-sensitive lipase, leading to the breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. These products are subsequently released into the bloodstream and can provide tissues with an alternative (fatty acids) source of energy to glucose.

    5 min
  3. The Liver During Fasting -AI Podcast

    FEB 19

    The Liver During Fasting -AI Podcast

    Briefing Document: Liver Function During Fasting Subject: Liver's role in energy provision during fasting. Source: Excerpts from "The LIVER During Fasting @Metabolism Made Easy" Main Themes: Ketogenesis: The liver actively synthesizes ketone bodies as an alternative energy source during fasting. Energy Provision: The liver plays a critical role in supplying energy to other tissues when glucose is scarce. Key Ideas and Facts: Ketone Body Synthesis: During fasting, the liver utilizes fatty acids to generate energy. A byproduct of this process is Acetyl-CoA, a portion of which is then used in ketogenesis, the production of ketone bodies. "the liver will be increasing Ketone body synthesis ketogenesis because it's using fatty acids uh as a source of energy producing a lot of acet Co a and some of that aceta is used in ketogenesis" Dual Energy Source: The liver provides two essential forms of energy during fasting: glucose (presumably through gluconeogenesis, though this isn't explicitly stated in this excerpt) and ketone bodies. "note how important the liver is it's providing glucose providing Ketone bodies two different forms of energy to other tissues to use during fasting" Implications: The excerpt highlights the liver's central role in metabolic adaptation during periods of food deprivation. By producing both glucose and ketone bodies, the liver ensures that other tissues, including the brain (which can utilize ketone bodies), have a continuous supply of energy. This demonstrates the liver's importance in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

    4 min
  4. Red Blood Cells & Glucose -AI Podcast

    FEB 16

    Red Blood Cells & Glucose -AI Podcast

    Red blood cells are entirely dependent on glucose as their only energy source. Glucose is utilized in glycolysis to produce the ATP output required by the red blood cell because red blood cells lack mitochondria, which would metabolize pyruvate to CO2 in other cells. The glycolytic output of energy from glucose breaking down to two lactates will produce two ATPs only because the NADH produced from the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase step of glycolysis will be consumed in the conversion of two 2-pyruvates to two lactates. Check out the original short on glucose and red blood cells below: https://youtube.com/shorts/nbEF42DaAko?feature=share

    4 min
  5. Hormonal Regulation of Blood Glucose -AI Podcast

    FEB 10

    Hormonal Regulation of Blood Glucose -AI Podcast

    Hormonal Regulation of Blood Glucose: Metabolism Made Easy Check out the original YouTube video of this podcast below: https://youtu.be/E_Vool7IuOE The YouTube video explains how blood glucose levels are hormonally regulated. Insulin lowers blood glucose by prompting cells to absorb glucose and store it as glycogen. In contrast, glucagon, epinephrine, and cortisol elevate blood glucose. These hormones stimulate the liver to release stored glycogen or create glucose from other molecules. This coordinated hormonal action ensures blood glucose remains within a healthy range. What are the primary hormones involved in blood glucose regulation and what are their roles?How does the body maintain blood glucose levels during fed versus fasting states?What tissues are most sensitive to hormonal regulation of blood glucose concentration.

    5 min
  6. Why we need glucose ? AI Podcast

    FEB 8

    Why we need glucose ? AI Podcast

    Briefing Document: Glucose Importance for Brain Function Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Glucose's Role as Primary Brain Fuel Source: Excerpts from "Why we need sugar (glucose)? @Metabolism Made Easy" Main Theme: This document highlights the critical role of glucose as the primary energy source for the brain and the body's mechanisms for maintaining adequate glucose levels. Key Ideas & Facts: Glucose as the Brain's Preferred Fuel: The brain relies heavily on glucose for energy. As stated in the excerpt: "the brain's favorite energy source is glucose". Limited Alternative Fuel Sources: While the brain can utilize ketone bodies, it cannot use fatty acids due to the blood-brain barrier. The document mentions that the brain will only use Ketone bodies when their concentrations reach significantly high levels. Hormonal Regulation of Glucose Levels: The body has intricate mechanisms to maintain sufficient glucose levels. When glucose in the plasma decreases, the brain triggers the release of glucagon, epinephrine, and cortisol, instructing the liver to restore plasma glucose via glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. The excerpt says the brain "sends instructions through the hypothalamus and the autonomic nervous system to the pancreas and adrenal glands releasing glucagon epinephrine and cortisol and instructing the liver to restore plasma glucose by glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis". Implications: This information underscores the importance of maintaining stable glucose levels for optimal brain function and overall health. It highlights the body's complex hormonal response to glucose fluctuations. The brain prioritizes glucose so much that it will orchestrate hormonal processes for restoring adequate levels. LM - generated. Check out the full podcast on why we need glucose: The role of liver gluconeogenesis below: https://youtu.be/PDzJXOsrE4A Also, check out how different tissues metabolize glucose below: https://youtu.be/fGVcxsPwJ9Q

    7 min

  7. FEB 7

    ALT, AST & Glutamate Dehydrogenase

    This podcast covers the metabolism of alanine, aspartate, and glutamatr in the disposal of nitrogen and the Urea cycle. Also covered are the roles of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase.

    5 min

  8. JAN 26

    Protein Degradation & The Urea Cycle: A Summary

    This podcast covers: 1) The major cellular fates of dietary amino acids; 2) The role of Transaminases in amino acid catabolism; 3) The purpose of the urea cycle; 4) Enzymes of the urea cycle; and 5) Regulation of the urea cycle.

    8 min
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About

This podcast describes selected biochemistry content that could be useful to premedical/medical students. Similar content (podcasts and videos) is available at: https://medbiochem.org/ or check out my YouTube channel: Metabolism Made Easy These podcasts and videos cover selected topics in medical biochemistry. A J Ghalayini, Ph.D. Bio for Dr. Ghalayini: Dr. Ghalayini received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Houston, Houston, Texas. He has over 3 decades of experience in research and medical education as professor of biochemistry at 5 different universities.

Information

  • Creator
    A J Ghalayini, Ph.D.
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © A J Ghalayini, Ph.D.
  • Show Website
    Metabolism Made Easy

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