科研之友
微信
新浪微博
Facebook
分享链接
摘要
Background: Ceramides are a novel biomarker for numerous obesity-associated disorders such as type II diabetes mellitus (T2D) and atherosclerosis. Ceramides were considered as a relatively homogeneous class of sphingolipids. Ceramides generally have a wide length of the fatty acyl chain that take part in different metabolic processes. Modulation of ceramide synthesis in certain cellular components along with its metabolism has a significant influence on metabolic homeostasis. @@@ Scope and approach: In this review, major role of ceramides in metabolic syndrome and the ability of certain phytonutrients to manage ceramides levels have been discussed. Ceramides act as an intracellular signaling molecules that affect the metabolism through different pathways such as adiposity linkage, insulin resistance and cardiometabolic syndrome. In addition, phytonutrients are novel therapeutic agents that may lower plasma ceramide levels involved in metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, relationship between ceramides and metabolic syndrome with regards to ceramide modulation and effect of bioactive phytonutrients in regulating the ceramides levels in relation to obesity-associated disorders is also elucidated. @@@ Key findings and conclusions: The unique structure enables ceramides to function both as structural membrane components and signaling molecules Accumulation of ceramides and their coalescence in sphingolipid-rich domains can influence cell signaling by clustering receptors. As sum of all the ceramide species present in cells usually range from 0.1 to 1.0% of total phospholipids yet may have high affinity targets. Different ceramides species usually with long n-acyl chains have been implicated in pathophysiologic processes and disease progression. Ceramides slowed lipolysis, inhibited glucose uptake, and decreased mitochondrial respiration. Certain cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF?) and interleukins (ILs) such as IL-1b and adiponectin, activate the sphingomyelinase enzymes. Besides inflammatory signals, ceramide production is often stimulated by oxidative stress. From literature, lipidomic analysis revealed that nutritional intervention (consuming plantbased foods as a source of phytonutrients) can help in lowering the circulating ceramides especially C16:0 and C24:0 ceramides, a potential known inhibitor of insulin signaling. However, exact mechanism of different phytonutrients involved in ceramide modulation needs to be understood at molecular level for gaining more insights at their mechanistic mode of action.
