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Lipotoxicity

Meaning

A state of cellular dysfunction and damage induced by the chronic accumulation of excess lipids, particularly saturated fatty acids and their metabolites, in non-adipose tissues such as the liver, muscle, heart, and pancreas. This accumulation interferes with normal cellular processes, leading to insulin resistance, inflammation, and eventual organ failure. Lipotoxicity is a key pathological driver in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.