Role of circulating sphingolipids in lipid metabolism: Why dietary lipids matter

Abstract

Sphingolipids are structural components of cell membranes and lipoproteins but also act as signaling molecules in many pathophysiological processes. Although sphingolipids comprise a small part of the plasma lipidome, some plasma sphingolipids are recognized as implicated in the development of metabolic diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Plasma sphingolipids are mostly carried out into lipoproteins and may modulate their functional properties. Lipids ingested from the diet contribute to the plasma lipid pool besides lipids produced by the liver and released from the adipose tissue. Depending on their source, quality and quantity, dietary lipids may modulate sphingolipids both in plasma and lipoproteins. A few human dietary intervention studies investigated the impact of dietary lipids on circulating sphingolipids and lipid-related cardiovascular risk markers. On the one hand, dietary saturated fatty acids, mainly palmitic acid, may increase ceramide concentrations in plasma, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and HDL. On the other hand, milk polar lipids may decrease some molecular species of sphingomyelins and ceramides in plasma and intestine-derived chylomicrons. Altogether, different dietary fatty acids and lipid species can modulate circulating sphingolipids vehicled by postprandial lipoproteins, which should be part of future nutritional strategies for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Ethnic Disparities in Lipid Metabolism and Clinical Outcomes between Dutch South Asians and Dutch White Caucasians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…Therefore, further longitudinal studies with multiple ethnic groups and larger sample sizes are needed to verify our findings. Sixth, it is important to consider the influence of dietary factors on lipid profiles [ 57 , 58 , 59 ], especially since substantial differences in dietary patterns have been observed between Dutch South Asians and Dutch white Caucasians [ 60 ]. However, our study did not gather specific information regarding the participants’ dietary patterns.…”

Effects of Pregnancy on Plasma Sphingolipids Using a Metabolomic and Quantitative Analysis Approach

“…In addition, total dietary fat intake was significantly higher during pregnancy than postpartum. Although study samples were collected after a meal, there is no evidence that plasma sphingolipids are altered postprandially [ 27 ]. Quantitative analysis was limited by the availability of sphingolipid analytical standards.…”

Ceramides and other sphingolipids as predictors of incident dysglycemia (CASPID): Design, methods, and baseline characteristics

“…Dietary intervention studies in human beings have demonstrated the impact of lipid consumption on circulating sphingolipids and cardiovascular risk markers. 48 Consumption of saturated fatty acids increases plasma ceramide concentrations along with alterations in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, whereas consumption of polar lipids decreases circulating levels of ceramides and other sphingomyelins. 48 Thus, the findings from the CASPID study could inform dietary intervention strategies aimed at minimization of risk and optimization of cardiometabolic health.…”