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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death
Published on: October 31, 2017
Fatty acids and the risk of death during acute myocardial ischaemia
1*University of Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K.
Abstract:
Plasma free fatty acids (non-esterified fatty acids) increase in the first hour of the onset of acute myocardial ischaemia. This results from catecholamine stimulation of adipose tissue lipolysis. It can lead to a metabolic crisis in the injured myocardium with the development of ventricular arrhythmias and increased early mortality. Preconditioning, β-adrenergic blockade and glucose-insulin-potassium are possible therapeutic approaches, but anti-lipolytic agents, such as some nicotinic acid derivatives, can reduce plasma free fatty acid concentrations within minutes and have untried potential. A clinical trial of their effectiveness is needed from the first moment when a patient with an acute coronary syndrome is seen by paramedics.
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