Palmitic acid

Saturated fatty acids are synthesised by both plants and animals from acetyl coenzyme A as a form of long-term energy storage. Palmitic acid is a common 16-carbon saturated fat that represents 10-20% of the normal human dietary fat intake, and approximately 25% of the total plasma fatty acids in plasma lipoproteins. Saturated free fatty acids induce the expression of cyclooxygenase-2. Palmitic acid methyl ester (MP) is a fatty acid ester whose concentration in cells is modulated by methanol. In studies with isolated Kupffer cells, MP inhibits phagocytosis and decreases cell viability. In cells treated with lipopolysaccharide, it also decreases secretion of interleukin-10, TNF-α, nitric oxide, and prostaglandin E2. This effect is thought to occur by the inhibition of NF-κB.