[Sphingolipids, possible biomarkers for atherosclerotic disorders]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Lipidomics

Context:

• Sphingolipids, particularly sphingomyelin (SM) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (Sph-1-P), are increasingly recognized for their roles beyond membrane structure.
• SM is found in atherosclerotic lesions, while Sph-1-P contributes to HDL's anti-atherosclerotic properties, suggesting their involvement in disease pathogenesis.

Purpose:

• To review the potential of sphingolipids as biomarkers for atherosclerotic disorders.
• To highlight the challenges in current sphingolipid measurement and introduce novel, clinically applicable methods.

Summary:

• Developed precise, rapid, and convenient HPLC and enzymatic methods for measuring Sph-1-P and SM, respectively.
• Demonstrated significantly higher SM concentrations in patients with acute coronary syndrome using the new enzymatic method.
• These advancements facilitate the potential clinical application of sphingolipids as diagnostic markers for atherosclerosis.

Impact:

• Enables the potential integration of sphingolipid analysis into routine clinical laboratory testing for cardiovascular disease.
• Provides a foundation for further research into sphingolipids as predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
• Advances the field of lipidomics in clinical diagnostics for cardiovascular health.