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Circulating Sphingolipids in Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Associated Complications
Samar M Hammad1, Maria F Lopes-Virella2,3
1Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 28, 2023
Summary
Sphingolipids, particularly ceramides, are implicated in diabetes development and complications. Circulating sphingolipid levels and lipoprotein content show promise as early biomarkers for predicting diabetes and its vascular issues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Sphingolipids, notably ceramides, are increasingly recognized for their role in the pathogenesis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Existing research primarily focuses on the mechanistic pathways linking sphingolipids to diabetes development.
- The significance of circulating sphingolipid levels and their lipoprotein distribution as predictive biomarkers is an emerging area of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on sphingolipid-mediated mechanisms in diabetes and its complications.
- To emphasize the potential of circulating plasma sphingolipid levels and lipoprotein content as biomarkers.
- To explore the predictive value of sphingolipids for diabetes development and complications.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of published studies.
- Analysis of research on sphingolipid metabolism and function in diabetes.
- Evaluation of studies investigating circulating sphingolipid levels and lipoprotein associations.
Main Results:
- Sphingolipids, especially ceramides, contribute to diabetes pathogenesis through various mechanisms.
- Circulating sphingolipid profiles and their carriage by lipoproteins are associated with diabetes and its complications.
- Early research suggests potential for sphingolipids as predictive biomarkers for diabetes and vascular complications.
Conclusions:
- Sphingolipid metabolism is integral to diabetes development and progression.
- Circulating sphingolipid levels and lipoprotein profiles offer promising avenues for biomarker development.
- Further research into sphingolipid biomarkers could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for diabetes and its complications.
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