Abstract: Ischemic stroke is a severe neurological disease with high global mortality and disability rates. Atherosclerosis has been identified as the primary cause of ischemic stroke, while abnormal lipid levels are significant contributors to the development of this condition. Multiple pro-apoptotic mechanisms are involved in ischemic stroke caused by lipid metabolism disorders, while various lipids have a strong causal relationship with neuronal apoptosis. However, studies to date have focused on the individual roles of lipid metabolism and apoptosis in ischemic stroke, and an overview of how impaired lipid metabolism leads to apoptosis in ischemic stroke is still lacking in the literature. In this review, we summarize current research on lipids in ischemic stroke. We discuss the role of lipid metabolism in accelerating apoptosis in ischemic stroke as well as the associated mechanisms. Additionally, we highlight advances in drug development and the treatment of stroke, focusing on lipid metabolism. The purpose is to provide novel ideas and strategies for the treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke.

Key words: docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, reactive oxygen species, short-chain fatty acids, triglycerides, tumor necrosis factor