[Role of sphingolipids in digestive system]

Krzysztof Kurek1, Dominika M Piotrowska, Patrycja Wiesiołek

  • 1Zakład Fizjologii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Białymstoku, Białystok, Poland.

Summary

Sphingolipids are important molecules found in the digestive system. They help maintain the structure of intestinal cells and regulate how nutrients are absorbed. These lipids may also act as receptors for some microorganisms and their toxins. Certain bioactive sphingolipids like ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate influence cell growth, differentiation, and programmed cell death. The review suggests that changes in sphingolipid metabolism may contribute to diseases like colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. The authors propose that these lipids could be targeted for future treatments. More research is needed to fully understand their clinical roles.

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