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Open AccessReview
The Role of Ceramides in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases
Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Academic Unit of Human Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Carretera Zacatecas-Guadalajara Km.6. Ejido la Escondida, Zacatecas 98160, Mexico
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J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2026, 13(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13010030 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 21 November 2025
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Revised: 26 December 2025
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Accepted: 29 December 2025
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Published: 4 January 2026
Abstract
Ceramides are bioactive sphingolipids increasingly recognized as mediators of cardiometabolic disease and residual cardiovascular risk. Accumulating evidence from experimental and clinical studies indicates that specific ceramide species contribute to insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, myocardial injury, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In particular, long-chain ceramides (C16:0, C18:0, C20:0 Cer) are consistently associated with myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality, whereas very-long-chain ceramides (C22:0, C24:0 Cer) exhibit neutral or potentially protective associations. This narrative review integrates biochemical, experimental, and clinical evidence to examine ceramide metabolism, molecular diversity, and their emerging role as biomarkers for cardiovascular risk stratification. We also discuss ceramide-based risk scores and their potential clinical utility beyond traditional lipid parameters. Understanding the structure–function relationships of ceramides may support the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular prevention.
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MDPI and ACS Style
Gonzalez-Plascencia, M.; Garza-Veloz, I.; Flores-Morales, V.; Martinez-Fierro, M.L.
The Role of Ceramides in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases. J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2026, 13, 30.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13010030
AMA Style
Gonzalez-Plascencia M, Garza-Veloz I, Flores-Morales V, Martinez-Fierro ML.
The Role of Ceramides in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. 2026; 13(1):30.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13010030
Chicago/Turabian Style
Gonzalez-Plascencia, Manuel, Idalia Garza-Veloz, Virginia Flores-Morales, and Margarita L. Martinez-Fierro.
2026. "The Role of Ceramides in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases" Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease 13, no. 1: 30.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13010030
APA Style
Gonzalez-Plascencia, M., Garza-Veloz, I., Flores-Morales, V., & Martinez-Fierro, M. L.
(2026). The Role of Ceramides in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease, 13(1), 30.
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13010030
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