Free fatty acid overload attenuates Ca2+ signaling and NO production in endothelial cells.

Hyperlipidemia represents a major risk factor for development of vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Although the unfortunate role of low-density lipoprotein has been clearly demonstrated, the mechanistic pathways through which triglyceride-derived free fatty acids (FFAs) contribute to vascular disorders are not completely understood. Thus, the present study was designed to elucidate the effects of FFAs on cultured endothelial cells.