Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and TLR2 were shown to be activated by saturated fatty acids
(SFAs) but inhibited by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, one report suggested that
SFA-induced TLR activation in cell culture systems is due to contaminants in BSA used for
solubilizing fatty acids. This report raised doubt about proinflammatory effects of SFAs. Our
studies herein demonstrate that sodium palmitate (C16: 0) or laurate (C12: 0) without BSA
solubilization induced phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB α, c-Jun N-terminal …

Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and TLR2 were shown to be activated by saturated fatty acids
(SFAs) but inhibited by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, one report (ATVB 11: 1944,
2009) suggested that SFA‐induced TLR activation in cell culture systems is due to
contaminants in BSA used for conjugating fatty acids. This report casted doubt about
proinflammatory effects of SFAs. Our studies herein demonstrate that sodium palmitate (C16:
0) or laurate (C12: 0) without BSA conjugation induced phosphorylation of IκBα, JNK, ERK …