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Updated: May 31, 2026

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death

Published on: October 31, 2017

Elevated plasma ceramides in depression.

Patricia Gracia-Garcia¹, Vani Rao, Norman J Haughey

¹Drs. Gracia-Garcia and Lobo are affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry Hospital Clínico Universitario, University of Zaragoza, Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud, Zaragoza.

The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences

|June 17, 2011

Summary

Plasma ceramides are elevated in individuals diagnosed with major depression. This preliminary study found increased levels regardless of whether dementia was also present.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Neuroscience
Psychiatry

Background:

Alterations in lipid metabolism are implicated in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Ceramides, a class of sphingolipids, have been investigated for their roles in cellular processes relevant to brain health.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate whether plasma ceramides are elevated in individuals with major depression.
To determine if ceramide elevation is more pronounced in Alzheimer's disease patients compared to controls.

Main Methods:

Preliminary examination of plasma ceramide levels.
Comparison between patient groups (major depression, Alzheimer's disease) and control subjects.

Main Results:

Plasma ceramides were found to be elevated in individuals diagnosed with major depression.
The elevation in plasma ceramides was observed irrespective of dementia status.

Conclusions:

Major depression is associated with elevated plasma ceramides.
Further research is warranted to explore the specific role of ceramides in depression and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.