Glycerophospholipid dysregulation after traumatic brain injury

Brain tissue is highly enriched in lipids, the majority of which are glycerophospholipids. Glycerophospholipids are the major constituents of cellular membranes and play an important role in maintaining integrity and function of cellular and subcellular structures. Any changes in glycerophospholipid homeostasis can adversely affect brain functions. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), an acquired injury caused by the impact of external forces to the brain, triggers activation of secondary biochemical events that include perturbation of lipid homeostasis. Several studies have demonstrated glycerophospholipid dysregulation in the brain and circulation after TBI. This includes spatial and temporal changes in abundance and distribution of glycerophospholipids in the injured brain. This is at least in part mediated by TBI-induced oxidative stress and by activation of lipid metabolism pathways involved in tissue repairing. In this review, we discuss current advances in understanding of the mechanisms and implications of glycerophospholipid dysregulation following TBI.