 Abstract trans fatty acids, TFAs, have been linked to several health issues, including heart disease. However, the exact mechanisms behind this link remain unclear. In this study, researchers examined the effects of different types of fats on cell death caused by extracellular ATP, a type of molecule released during cell injury. They found that only certain types of TFAs, namely eladic acid, EA, were able to cause cell death via the ASK1, P38 map kinase pathway. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFAs, such as docosahexinoic acid, DHA, were able to block this process. This suggests that EA may be responsible for the negative health effects associated with TFAs, while PUFAs may offer protection against these effects. The authors also suggest that this knowledge could be used to develop new preventative or therapeutic strategies for TFA related diseases. This article was authored by Yusuke Hiota, Naoki Kashiwabura, Yukinada, and others.