Effect of diet-induced plasma ceramide on human in vivo microvascular endothelial function

Acute consumption of a long-chain fatty acid-rich meal increased circulating ceramides in a sex-specific manner, with elevations observed only in females. Despite this, in vivo microvascular endothelial function was similarly impaired after both medium- and long-chain fatty acid-rich meals, with no differences observed between sexes. Further studies are needed to define the role of ceramide-induced microvascular dysfunction and the long-term cardiovascular impact of repeated exposure.