Secondly, an excess of long-chain acylcarnitines compromises membrane function, induces electrophysiological alterations through modulation of calcium and potassium channels (contributing to cardiac arrhythmias), promotes insulin resistance and inflammation, inhibits oxidative phosphorylation and stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (34, 37, 87, 88, 107). Here, KCNA3 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.