Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD) is the key rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of saturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids. SCD1 is the main subtype, whose expression is regulated by saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, insulin, and leptin. SCD1 plays an important role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and other organs. It was found that inhibiting SCD1 can significantly improve glucose and lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissue, promote tissue uptake and utilization of glucose, and reduce lipid deposition. In contrast, increasing the expression of SCD1 in skeletal muscle can significantly improve the metabolic function of skeletal muscle and increase insulin sensitivity. Metformin, traditional Chinese medicine such as safflower yellow and berberine, and the natural SCD1 inhibitor sterculic acid could improve metabolism by inhibiting the expression of SCD1. Phase Ⅲ/Ⅳ clinical trials on SCD1 inhibitor Aramchol are currently ongoing. Further study on the regulation of SCD1 expression and its relationship with glucolipid metabolism will provide a theoretical basis and experimental evidence for future development and clinical application of drugs to improve glucolipid metabolism.

Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase; Glucose and lipid metabolism; Saturated fatty acid; Monounsaturated fatty acid; Polyunsaturated fatty acid; Insulin; Leptin