Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 19, 2025
09:09
Preparation of Human Tissues Embedded in Optimal Cutting Temperature Compound for Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Published on: April 27, 2021
2.4K
Ceramide and sphingosine-1 phosphate in COPD lungs
Evgeny V Berdyshev1,2, Karina A Serban1,3,4, Kelly S Schweitzer1,3
1Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Thorax
|January 30, 2021
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves altered sphingolipid metabolism in the lungs. Disrupted ceramide and sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) balance contributes to emphysema in COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Sphingolipid metabolism is dysregulated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on animal and plasma studies.
- However, data regarding sphingolipid metabolism specifically within COPD lungs remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sphingolipid metabolism, specifically ceramide and sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) levels and sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) activity, in the lungs of COPD patients.
- To correlate these metabolic changes with disease severity and emphysema phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Mass spectrometry and immunostaining techniques were employed.
- Lung tissue samples were analyzed from 69 COPD patients, 16 smokers without COPD, and 13 individuals with interstitial lung disease.
Main Results:
- A decoupling of ceramide and sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) levels was observed in COPD lungs.
- Decreased sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) activity was identified in COPD lungs.
- Increased ceramide in distal COPD lungs correlated with apoptosis, while SphK1 activity inversely correlated with emphysema presence.
Conclusions:
- Disruption of the ceramide-to-S1P metabolic pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD.
- This metabolic imbalance is a significant determinant of the emphysema phenotype observed in COPD.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
3.7K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
3.7K
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
1.9K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
1.9K
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
1.6K
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
1.6K
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
549
Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
549
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
2.8K
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
2.8K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
3.2K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
3.2K