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Updated: May 28, 2026
06:03
Quantification of Endothelial Fatty Acid Uptake using Fluorescent Fatty Acid Analogs
Published on: August 15, 2025
Elevated free fatty acid is associated with cardioembolic stroke subtype
Woo-Keun Seo1, Juyeon Kim, Yoo Hwan Kim
1Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seouol, Korea.
Summary
High free fatty acid (FFA) levels are linked to cardioembolic stroke, a major subtype of ischemic stroke. Atrial fibrillation may mediate this association, highlighting FFA as a potential risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Free fatty acids (FFAs) are crucial energy substrates with known links to cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and arrhythmias.
- Limited research exists on the association between FFAs and ischemic stroke, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentration and ischemic stroke.
- To explore the relationship between FFA levels and specific subtypes of ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Data were collected from a hospital-based acute stroke registry, including 715 stroke patients.
- Associations between FFA concentration and stroke subtypes, cerebral atherosclerosis, and atrial fibrillation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Plasma FFA concentration was highest in the cardioembolic stroke subtype compared to other stroke types.
- Increased FFA concentration showed a significant association with the cardioembolic stroke subtype, even after adjusting for covariates.
- FFA levels were elevated in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to those without AF.
- No significant difference in FFA concentration was observed based on the presence of intracranial or extracranial cerebral arterial atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between fasting FFA concentration and the cardioembolic stroke subtype.
- Atrial fibrillation is proposed as a potential mediating factor in the relationship between FFAs and cardioembolic stroke.
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