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Plasma Ceramides in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Stratification
Débora L M Junqueira1,2, Alline Stach2, Adriano Caixeta1
1Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP - Brasil.
Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|May 4, 2022
Summary
Ceramides, altered in diabetes and dyslipidemia, are key biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. Elevated plasma ceramides predict atherosclerotic plaque instability and adverse events, aiding disease stratification.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Ceramides are vital lipids for normal physiology, but their levels change in diseases like diabetes and dyslipidemia.
- Ceramide production is linked to atherosclerotic plaque instability.
- Increased plasma ceramides, particularly C16, C18, and C24:1, are observed in unstable coronary artery disease (CAD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the role of ceramides as biomarkers in cardiovascular disease (CVD) stratification.
- To contextualize the importance of ceramides in current cardiology practice.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of recent studies on ceramide metabolism and cardiovascular implications.
- Analysis of ceramide levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Main Results:
- Plasma ceramide levels are elevated in patients with unstable CAD.
- Specific ceramides (C16, C18, C24:1) are particularly increased.
- Ceramides serve as emerging biomarkers for CVD risk prediction.
Conclusions:
- Ceramides are emerging biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
- They predict atherosclerotic plaque instability and adverse cardiovascular events independently of traditional risk factors.
- Ceramides are valuable for stratifying cardiovascular disease risk.
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