Figure 6.

Fatty acid oxidation is a major contributor to reactive oxygen species production, which is increased in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although fatty acids are not the obligate substrate for energy production in the cell, β-oxidation of fatty acids generates a substantial amount of reactive oxygen species as a by-product. In turn, these promote a number of harmful oxidative effects including lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. As neurons are not effectively equipped to deal with oxidative stress, these harmful effects are multiplied, contributing to neurodegeneration.