Plasma Ceramides Pathophysiology, Measurements, Challenges, and Opportunities

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Metabolic Diseases
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Ceramides are bioactive lipids, not just structural, involved in inflammation and apoptosis.
• They are transported by lipoproteins, primarily LDL, and are potential biomarkers for cardiometabolic diseases.
• Ceramides represent key targets for pharmacological interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review ceramide structure, metabolism, and pathophysiologic roles.
• To examine the impact of diet and aerobic exercise on ceramide levels.
• To discuss advancements and limitations in lipidomic techniques for ceramide analysis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing data on ceramides.
• Analysis of studies investigating dietary and exercise effects on ceramide metabolism.
• Evaluation of lipidomic techniques and interpretation strategies.

Main Results:

• Ceramide levels are modulated by dietary habits and aerobic exercise.
• Sphingolipid pathways offer potential therapeutic targets for chronic disease prevention.
• Simplification attempts, like scores, aim to facilitate practical applications of ceramide research.

Conclusions:

• Diet and aerobic exercise are key modulators of ceramide levels.
• Targeting ceramide pathways presents a viable strategy for preventing and managing cardiometabolic diseases.
• Further advancements in lipidomics are needed for easier interpretation and clinical application.