Sphingolipids and atherosclerosis.

Abstract

The atherosclerotic lesion contains a high amount of sphingolipids, a large group of structurally diverse lipids that regulate distinct biological functions beyond their role as structural membrane components. Assessment of their role in atherogenesis has been enabled after genes that regulate their metabolism had been identified and facilitated by the more wide availability of mass spectrometry. Here we discuss recent mechanistic insights obtained in animal and epidemiological studies that have greatly enhanced our understanding of mechanisms how sphingolipids affect the atherosclerotic process.

• Authors: Thorsten Hornemann, Tilla S Worgall
• Journal: Atherosclerosis (Atherosclerosis) Vol. 226 Issue 1 Pg. 16-28 (Jan 2013) ISSN: 1879-1484 [Electronic] Ireland
• PMID: 23075523 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Sphingolipids

Topics

• Animals
• Atherosclerosis (etiology)
• Humans
• Sphingolipids (physiology)