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Novel Insight into the Serum Sphingolipid Fingerprint Characterizing Longevity
Pietro Barbacini1, Enrica Torretta2, Beatrice Arosio3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 10, 2022
Summary
Centenarians exhibit unique sphingolipid profiles, with increased Hexosylceramides and altered ceramide metabolism, suggesting distinct aging pathways. These findings highlight sphingolipids
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Lipidomics
Background:
- Sphingolipids (SLs) are crucial for cell function and their levels vary with age, sex, and disease.
- Understanding age-related SL changes is vital for identifying biomarkers of healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify sphingolipid species associated with healthy aging in centenarians.
- To compare SL profiles and related enzyme activity across adult, aged, and centenarian women.
Main Methods:
- Serum sphingolipids were analyzed using LC-MS/MS.
- mRNA levels of sphingolipid biosynthetic enzymes were measured in PBMCs.
- Data were compared between adult (Ad), aged (Ag), and centenarian (C) women.
Main Results:
- Ceramides increased in aged and centenarian groups compared to adults.
- Dihydroceramides decreased in centenarians versus adults.
- Specific Hexosylceramides (HexCer 16:0, 22:0, 24:1) were elevated in centenarians compared to aged individuals.
- Sphingosine and its phosphates increased with age, but more so in the aged group.
- Enzymes for ceramide synthesis were upregulated in aged individuals, while sphingomyelin degradation enzymes were upregulated in centenarians.
Conclusions:
- Centenarians display a unique sphingolipid signature characterized by specific Hexosylceramides.
- Aging involves altered sphingolipid metabolism, with distinct pathways in centenarians potentially linked to protective mechanisms.
- Sphingolipid fine-tuning may contribute to reduced physiological decline in extreme longevity.
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