1
|
Mondal K, Del Mar NA, Gary AA, Grambergs RC, Yousuf M, Tahia F, Stephenson B, Stephenson DJ, Chalfant CE, Reiner A, Mandal N. Sphingolipid changes in mouse brain and plasma after mild traumatic brain injury at the acute phases. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:200. [PMID: 38937745 PMCID: PMC11209960 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02186-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes neuroinflammation and can lead to long-term neurological dysfunction, even in cases of mild TBI (mTBI). Despite the substantial burden of this disease, the management of TBI is precluded by an incomplete understanding of its cellular mechanisms. Sphingolipids (SPL) and their metabolites have emerged as key orchestrators of biological processes related to tissue injury, neuroinflammation, and inflammation resolution. No study so far has investigated comprehensive sphingolipid profile changes immediately following TBI in animal models or human cases. In this study, sphingolipid metabolite composition was examined during the acute phases in brain tissue and plasma of mice following mTBI. METHODS Wildtype mice were exposed to air-blast-mediated mTBI, with blast exposure set at 50-psi on the left cranium and 0-psi designated as Sham. Sphingolipid profile was analyzed in brain tissue and plasma during the acute phases of 1, 3, and 7 days post-TBI via liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry. Simultaneously, gene expression of sphingolipid metabolic markers within brain tissue was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Significance (P-values) was determined by non-parametric t-test (Mann-Whitney test) and by Tukey's correction for multiple comparisons. RESULTS In post-TBI brain tissue, there was a significant elevation of 1) acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase) at 1- and 3-days, 2) neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase) at 7-days, 3) ceramide-1-phosphate levels at 1 day, and 4) monohexosylceramide (MHC) and sphingosine at 7-days. Among individual species, the study found an increase in C18:0 and a decrease in C24:1 ceramides (Cer) at 1 day; an increase in C20:0 MHC at 3 days; decrease in MHC C18:0 and increase in MHC C24:1, sphingomyelins (SM) C18:0, and C24:0 at 7 days. Moreover, many sphingolipid metabolic genes were elevated at 1 day, followed by a reduction at 3 days and an absence at 7-days post-TBI. In post-TBI plasma, there was 1) a significant reduction in Cer and MHC C22:0, and an increase in MHC C16:0 at 1 day; 2) a very significant increase in long-chain Cer C24:1 accompanied by significant decreases in Cer C24:0 and C22:0 in MHC and SM at 3 days; and 3) a significant increase of C22:0 in all classes of SPL (Cer, MHC and SM) as well as a decrease in Cer C24:1, MHC C24:1 and MHC C24:0 at 7 days. CONCLUSIONS Alterations in sphingolipid metabolite composition, particularly sphingomyelinases and short-chain ceramides, may contribute to the induction and regulation of neuroinflammatory events in the early stages of TBI, suggesting potential targets for novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Mondal
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Basic & Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute, Kolkata, WB, 700 063, India
| | - Nobel A Del Mar
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Ashlyn A Gary
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Richard C Grambergs
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Mohd Yousuf
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Faiza Tahia
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Benjamin Stephenson
- Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Daniel J Stephenson
- Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Charles E Chalfant
- Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
- Research Service, Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Anton Reiner
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Nawajes Mandal
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
- Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Allwright M, Guennewig B, Hoffmann AE, Rohleder C, Jieu B, Chung LH, Jiang YC, Lemos Wimmer BF, Qi Y, Don AS, Leweke FM, Couttas TA. ReTimeML: a retention time predictor that supports the LC-MS/MS analysis of sphingolipids. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4375. [PMID: 38388524 PMCID: PMC10883992 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The analysis of ceramide (Cer) and sphingomyelin (SM) lipid species using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) continues to present challenges as their precursor mass and fragmentation can correspond to multiple molecular arrangements. To address this constraint, we developed ReTimeML, a freeware that automates the expected retention times (RTs) for Cer and SM lipid profiles from complex chromatograms. ReTimeML works on the principle that LC-MS/MS experiments have pre-determined RTs from internal standards, calibrators or quality controls used throughout the analysis. Employed as reference RTs, ReTimeML subsequently extrapolates the RTs of unknowns using its machine-learned regression library of mass-to-charge (m/z) versus RT profiles, which does not require model retraining for adaptability on different LC-MS/MS pipelines. We validated ReTimeML RT estimations for various Cer and SM structures across different biologicals, tissues and LC-MS/MS setups, exhibiting a mean variance between 0.23 and 2.43% compared to user annotations. ReTimeML also aided the disambiguation of SM identities from isobar distributions in paired serum-cerebrospinal fluid from healthy volunteers, allowing us to identify a series of non-canonical SMs associated between the two biofluids comprised of a polyunsaturated structure that confers increased stability against catabolic clearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Allwright
- ForeFront, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Boris Guennewig
- ForeFront, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna E Hoffmann
- Translational Research Collective, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Endosane Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cathrin Rohleder
- Translational Research Collective, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Endosane Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Beverly Jieu
- Translational Research Collective, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Long H Chung
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yingxin C Jiang
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bruno F Lemos Wimmer
- Translational Research Collective, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Yanfei Qi
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony S Don
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - F Markus Leweke
- Translational Research Collective, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Endosane Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Timothy A Couttas
- Translational Research Collective, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pandey SP, Bhaskar R, Han SS, Narayanan KB. Autoimmune Responses and Therapeutic Interventions for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Comprehensive Review. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2024; 24:499-518. [PMID: 37718519 DOI: 10.2174/1871530323666230915112642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Lupus is a multifactorial autoimmune disease of multiorgan malfunctioning of extremely heterogeneous and unclear etiology that affects multiple organs and physiological systems. Some racial groups and women of childbearing age are more susceptible to SLE pathogenesis. Impressive progress has been made towards a better understanding of different immune components contributing to SLE pathogenesis. Recent investigations have uncovered the detailed mechanisms of inflammatory responses and organ damage. Various environmental factors, pathogens, and toxicants, including ultraviolet light, drugs, viral pathogens, gut microbiome metabolites, and sex hormones trigger the onset of SLE pathogenesis in genetically susceptible individuals and result in the disruption of immune homeostasis of cytokines, macrophages, T cells, and B cells. Diagnosis and clinical investigations of SLE remain challenging due to its clinical heterogeneity and hitherto only a few approved antimalarials, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available for treatment. However, the adverse effects of renal and neuropsychiatric lupus and late diagnosis make therapy challenging. Additionally, SLE is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to inflammatory responses and the risk of infection from immunosuppressive treatment. Due to the diversity of symptoms and treatment-resistant diseases, SLE management remains a challenging issue. Nevertheless, the use of next-generation therapeutics with stem cell and gene therapy may bring better outcomes to SLE treatment in the future. This review highlights the autoimmune responses as well as potential therapeutic interventions for SLE particularly focusing on the recent therapeutic advancements and challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surya Prakash Pandey
- Aarogya Institute of Healthcare and Research, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302033, India
- Department of Zoology, School of Science, IFTM University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, 244102, India
| | - Rakesh Bhaskar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, South Korea
| | - Sung Soo Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, South Korea
| | - Kannan Badri Narayanan
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38541, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Urbain F, Ponnaiah M, Ichou F, Lhomme M, Materne C, Galier S, Haroche J, Frisdal E, Mathian A, Durand H, Pha M, Hie M, Kontush A, Cluzel P, Lesnik P, Amoura Z, Guerin M, Cohen Aubart F, Le Goff W. Impaired metabolism predicts coronary artery calcification in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. EBioMedicine 2023; 96:104802. [PMID: 37725854 PMCID: PMC10518349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibit a high risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which is not fully explained by the classical Framingham risk factors. SLE is characterized by major metabolic alterations which can contribute to the elevated prevalence of CVD. METHODS A comprehensive analysis of the circulating metabolome and lipidome was conducted in a large cohort of 211 women with SLE who underwent a multi-detector computed tomography scan for quantification of coronary artery calcium (CAC), a robust predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD). FINDINGS Beyond traditional risk factors, including age and hypertension, disease activity and duration were independent risk factors for developing CAC in women with SLE. The presence of coronary calcium was associated with major alterations of circulating lipidome dominated by an elevated abundance of ceramides with very long chain fatty acids. Alterations in multiple metabolic pathways, including purine, arginine and proline metabolism, and microbiota-derived metabolites, were also associated with CAC in women with SLE. Logistic regression with bootstrapping of lipidomic and metabolomic variables were used to develop prognostic scores. Strikingly, combining metabolic and lipidomic variables with clinical and biological parameters markedly improved the prediction (area under the curve: 0.887, p < 0.001) of the presence of coronary calcium in women with SLE. INTERPRETATION The present study uncovers the contribution of disturbed metabolism to the presence of coronary artery calcium and the associated risk of CHD in SLE. Identification of novel lipid and metabolite biomarkers may help stratifying patients for reducing CVD morbidity and mortality in SLE. FUNDING INSERM and Sorbonne Université.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Urbain
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence pour le Lupus, le Syndrome des Anti-phospholipides et Autres Maladies Auto-immunes Rares, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Paris, France
| | - Maharajah Ponnaiah
- Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), ICAN I/O Data Science (MPo), ICAN Omics (FI and ML), 75013, Paris, France
| | - Farid Ichou
- Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), ICAN I/O Data Science (MPo), ICAN Omics (FI and ML), 75013, Paris, France
| | - Marie Lhomme
- Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), ICAN I/O Data Science (MPo), ICAN Omics (FI and ML), 75013, Paris, France
| | - Clément Materne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), UMR_S1166, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Galier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), UMR_S1166, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Julien Haroche
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence pour le Lupus, le Syndrome des Anti-phospholipides et Autres Maladies Auto-immunes Rares, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Paris, France
| | - Eric Frisdal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), UMR_S1166, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Mathian
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence pour le Lupus, le Syndrome des Anti-phospholipides et Autres Maladies Auto-immunes Rares, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Paris, France
| | - Herve Durand
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), UMR_S1166, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Micheline Pha
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence pour le Lupus, le Syndrome des Anti-phospholipides et Autres Maladies Auto-immunes Rares, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Paris, France
| | - Miguel Hie
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence pour le Lupus, le Syndrome des Anti-phospholipides et Autres Maladies Auto-immunes Rares, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Paris, France
| | - Anatol Kontush
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), UMR_S1166, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Cluzel
- Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Department, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, F-75013, France
| | - Philippe Lesnik
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), UMR_S1166, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Zahir Amoura
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence pour le Lupus, le Syndrome des Anti-phospholipides et Autres Maladies Auto-immunes Rares, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), 75013, Paris, France
| | - Maryse Guerin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), UMR_S1166, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Fleur Cohen Aubart
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de Référence pour le Lupus, le Syndrome des Anti-phospholipides et Autres Maladies Auto-immunes Rares, Service de Médecine Interne 2, Paris, France.
| | - Wilfried Le Goff
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Foundation for Innovation in Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (IHU ICAN), UMR_S1166, F-75013, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hammad SM, Lopes-Virella MF. Circulating Sphingolipids in Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Associated Complications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14015. [PMID: 37762318 PMCID: PMC10531201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids play an important role in the development of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as in the development of both micro- and macro-vascular complications. Several reviews have been published concerning the role of sphingolipids in diabetes but most of the emphasis has been on the possible mechanisms by which sphingolipids, mainly ceramides, contribute to the development of diabetes. Research on circulating levels of the different classes of sphingolipids in serum and in lipoproteins and their importance as biomarkers to predict not only the development of diabetes but also of its complications has only recently emerged and it is still in its infancy. This review summarizes the previously published literature concerning sphingolipid-mediated mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and its complications, focusing on how circulating plasma sphingolipid levels and the relative content carried by the different lipoproteins may impact their role as possible biomarkers both in the development of diabetes and mainly in the development of diabetic complications. Further studies in this field may open new therapeutic avenues to prevent or arrest/reduce both the development of diabetes and progression of its complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samar M. Hammad
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Maria F. Lopes-Virella
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lu D, Zhu X, Hong T, Yao X, Xie Z, Chen L, Wang Y, Zhang K, Ren Y, Cao Y, Wang X. Serum Metabolomics Analysis of Skin-Involved Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association of Anti-SSA Antibodies with Photosensitivity. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:3811-3822. [PMID: 37667802 PMCID: PMC10475307 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s426337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Systemic lupus erythematosus is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease in which skin involvement is a common manifestation. It is currently thought that the photosensitivity of SLE skin involvement is associated with anti-SSA antibodies. This study aimed to expand the current state of knowledge surrounding the molecular pathophysiology of SLE skin photosensitivity through Serum metabolomics analysis. Patients and Methods The serum metabolites of 23 cases of skin-involved SLE (SI) group, 14 cases of no SI (NSI) group, and 30 cases of healthy controls (HC) were analyzed by using UPLC-MS/MS technology, and subgroup analysis was performed according to the expression of anti-SSA antibodies in SI. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used for enrichment analysis and ROC curve construction, identifying serum metabolic markers of skin-involved SLE associated with anti-SSA antibodies. Results We identified several metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with SLE photosensitivity. Two metabolites, SM (d18:1/24:0) and gamma-CEHC can distinguish between anti-SSA antibody-positive and negative SI, with AUC of 0.829 and 0.806. These two photosensitization-related substances may be potential markers of skin involvement in SLE associated with anti-SSA antibody. Conclusion This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of SI patients, and provides a new molecular biological basis for the association between anti-SSA antibodies and skin photoallergic manifestations of SLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dingqi Lu
- First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinchao Zhu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Hong
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Yao
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liying Chen
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaiyuan Zhang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yating Ren
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinchang Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sánchez-Vinces S, Garcia PHD, Silva AAR, Fernandes AMADP, Barreto JA, Duarte GHB, Antonio MA, Birbrair A, Porcari AM, Carvalho PDO. Mass-Spectrometry-Based Lipidomics Discriminates Specific Changes in Lipid Classes in Healthy and Dyslipidemic Adults. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020222. [PMID: 36837840 PMCID: PMC9964724 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Triacylglycerols (TAGs) and cholesterol lipoprotein levels are widely used to predict cardiovascular risk and metabolic disorders. The aim of this study is to determine how the comprehensive lipidome (individual molecular lipid species) determined by mass spectrometry is correlated to the serum whole-lipidic profile of adults with different lipidemic conditions. The study included samples from 128 adults of both sexes, and they were separated into four groups according to their lipid profile: Group I-normolipidemic (TAG < 150 mg/dL, LDL-C < 160 mg/dL and HDL-c > 40 mg/dL); Group II-isolated hypertriglyceridemia (TAG ≥ 150 mg/dL); Group III-isolated hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL) and Group IV-mixed dyslipidemia. An untargeted mass spectrometry (MS)-based approach was applied to determine the lipidomic signature of 32 healthy and 96 dyslipidemic adults. Limma linear regression was used to predict the correlation of serum TAGs and cholesterol lipoprotein levels with the abundance of the identified MS-annotated lipids found in the subgroups of subjects. Serum TAG levels of dyslipidemic adults have a positive correlation with some of the MS-annotated specific TAGs and ceramides (Cer) and a negative correlation with sphingomyelins (SMs). High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are positively correlated with some groups of glycerophosphocholine, while low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) has a positive correlation with SMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Sánchez-Vinces
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University–USF, Bragança Paulista 12900-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Dias Garcia
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University–USF, Bragança Paulista 12900-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Alex Ap. Rosini Silva
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University–USF, Bragança Paulista 12900-000, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Joyce Aparecida Barreto
- Integrated Unit of Pharmacology and Gastroenterology (UNIFAG), São Francisco University–USF, Bragança Paulista 12900-000, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marcia Aparecida Antonio
- Integrated Unit of Pharmacology and Gastroenterology (UNIFAG), São Francisco University–USF, Bragança Paulista 12900-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715-1149, USA
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andreia M. Porcari
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University–USF, Bragança Paulista 12900-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia de Oliveira Carvalho
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University–USF, Bragança Paulista 12900-000, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-24548298
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Richter P, Cardoneanu A, Rezus C, Burlui AM, Rezus E. Non-Traditional Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Atherosclerotic Risk Factors Related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012604. [PMID: 36293458 PMCID: PMC9604037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of high mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Framingham risk score and other traditional risk factors do not fully reflect the CVD risk in SLE patients. Therefore, in order to stratify these high-risk patients, additional biomarkers for subclinical CVD are needed. The mechanisms of atherogenesis in SLE are still being investigated. During the past decades, many reports recognized that inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this report is to present novel proinflammatory and pro-atherosclerotic risk factors that are closely related to SLE inflammation and which determine an increased risk for the occurrence of early cardiovascular events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Richter
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Cardoneanu
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.R.); Tel.: +40232301615 (A.C. & C.R.)
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- “Sfantul Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (C.R.); Tel.: +40232301615 (A.C. & C.R.)
| | - Alexandra Maria Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Rezus
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Perl A, Agmon-Levin N, Crispín JC, Jorgensen TN. Editorial: New biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1009038. [PMID: 36311710 PMCID: PMC9599399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1009038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andras Perl
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Andras Perl,
| | - Nancy Agmon-Levin
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - José C. Crispín
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico,Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Trine N. Jorgensen
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu Y, Yu X, Zhang W, Zhang X, Wang M, Ji F. Mechanistic insight into premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Autoimmun 2022; 132:102863. [PMID: 35853760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a significant risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which substantially increases disease mortality and morbidity. The overall mechanisms associated with the development of premature atherosclerosis and CVD in SLE remain unclear, but has been considered as a result of an intricate interplay between the profound immune dysregulation and traditional CVD risk factors. Aberrant systemic inflammation in SLE may lead to an abnormal lipid profile and dysfunction, which can further fuel the pro-atherosclerotic environment. The existence of a strong imbalance between endothelial damage and vascular repair/angiogenesis promotes vascular injury, which is the early step in the progression of atherosclerotic CVD. Profound innate and adaptive immune dysregulation, characterized by excessive type I interferon burden, aberrant macrophage, platelet and complements activation, neutrophil dysregulation and neutrophil extracellular traps formation, uncontrolled T cell activation, and excessive autoantibody production and immune complex formation, have been proposed to promote accelerated CVD in SLE. While designing targeted therapies to correct the dysregulated immune activation may be beneficial in the treatment of SLE-related CVD, much additional work is needed to determine how to translate these findings into clinical practice. Additionally, a number of biomarkers display diagnostic potentials in improving CVD risk stratification in SLE, further prospective studies will help understand which biomarker(s) will be the most impactful one(s) in assessing SLE-linked CVD. Continued efforts to identify novel mechanisms and to establish criteria for assessing CVD risk as well as predicting CVD progression are in great need to improve CVD outcomes in SLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Xue Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Wenduo Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Fusui Ji
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang W, Zhao H, Du P, Cui H, Lu S, Xiang Z, Lu Q, Jia S, Zhao M. Integration of metabolomics and lipidomics reveals serum biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus with different organs involvement. Clin Immunol 2022; 241:109057. [PMID: 35667550 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects various organs or systems. We performed metabolomic and lipidomic profiles analyses of 133 SLE patients and 30 HCs. Differential metabolites and lipids were integrated, and then the biomarker panel was identified using binary logistic regression. We found that a combination of four metabolites or lipids could distinguish SLE from HC with an AUC of 0.998. Three lipids were combined to differentiate inactive SLE and active SLE. The AUC was 0.767. In addition, we also identified the biomarkers for different organ phenotypes of SLE. The AUCs for diagnosing SLE patients with only kidney involvement, skin involvement, blood system involvement, and multisystem involvement were 0.766, 0.718, 0.951, and 0.909, respectively. Our study succeeded in identifying biomarkers associated with different clinical phenotypes in SLE patients, which could facilitate a more precise diagnosis and assessment of disease progression in SLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Hongjun Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Pei Du
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Haobo Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Shuang Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Zhongyuan Xiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Sujie Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha 410011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Morano C, Zulueta A, Caretti A, Roda G, Paroni R, Dei Cas M. An Update on Sphingolipidomics: Is Something Still Missing? Some Considerations on the Analysis of Complex Sphingolipids and Free-Sphingoid Bases in Plasma and Red Blood Cells. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12050450. [PMID: 35629954 PMCID: PMC9147510 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12050450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The main concerns in targeted “sphingolipidomics” are the extraction and proper handling of biological samples to avoid interferences and achieve a quantitative yield well representing all the sphingolipids in the matrix. Our work aimed to compare different pre-analytical procedures and to evaluate a derivatization step for sphingoid bases quantification, to avoid interferences and improve sensitivity. We tested four protocols for the extraction of sphingolipids from human plasma, at different temperatures and durations, and two derivatization procedures for the conversion of sphingoid bases into phenylthiourea derivatives. Different columns and LC-MS/MS chromatographic conditions were also tested. The protocol that worked better for sphingolipids analysis involved a single-phase extraction in methanol/chloroform mixture (2:1, v/v) for 1 h at 38 °C, followed by a 2 h alkaline methanolysis at 38 °C, for the suppression of phospholipids signals. The derivatization of sphingoid bases promotes the sensibility of non-phosphorylated species but we proved that it is not superior to a careful choice of the appropriate column and a full-length elution gradient. Our procedure was eventually validated by analyzing plasma and erythrocyte samples of 20 volunteers. While both extraction and methanolysis are pivotal steps, our final consideration is to analyze sphingolipids and sphingoid bases under different chromatographic conditions, minding the interferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camillo Morano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Aida Zulueta
- Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri di Milano, 20138 Milan, Italy;
| | - Anna Caretti
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Gabriella Roda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Rita Paroni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (R.P.)
| | - Michele Dei Cas
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Huang X, Luu LDW, Jia N, Zhu J, Fu J, Xiao F, Liu C, Li S, Shu G, Hou J, Kang M, Zhang D, Xu Y, Wang Y, Cui X, Lai J, Li J, Tai J. Multi-Platform Omics Analysis Reveals Molecular Signatures for Pathogenesis and Activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:833699. [PMID: 35514958 PMCID: PMC9063006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.833699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations and the pathogenesis of SLE is still unclear. Various omics results have been reported for SLE, but the molecular hallmarks of SLE, especially in patients with different disease activity, using an integrated multi-omics approach have not been fully investigated. Here, we collected blood samples from 10 healthy controls (HCs) and 40 SLE patients with different clinical activity including inactive (IA), low activity (LA), and high activity (HA). Using an integrative analysis of proteomic, metabolomic and lipidomic profiles, we report the multi-omics landscape for SLE. The molecular changes suggest that both the complement system and the inflammatory response were activated in SLEs and were associated with disease activity. Additionally, activation of the immunoglobulin mediated immune response were observed in the LA stage of the disease, however this immune response was suppressed slightly in the HA stage. Finally, an imbalance in lipid metabolism, especially in sphingolipid metabolism, accompanied with dysregulated apolipoproteins were observed to contribute to the disease activity of SLE. The multi-omics data presented in this study and the characterization of peripheral blood from SLE patients may thus help provide important clues regarding the pathogenesis of SLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Huang
- Experimental Research Center, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Laurence Don Wai Luu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nan Jia
- Experimental Research Center, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Zhu
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Fu
- Experimental Research Center, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Experimental Research Center, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Experimental Research Center, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Gaixiu Shu
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Hou
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Min Kang
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Xu
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Experimental Research Center, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodai Cui
- Experimental Research Center, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Lai
- Division of Paediatric Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Paediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jieqiong Li
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Tai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Matter of Estrogens, Ceramides, and Sphingosine 1-Phosphate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074009. [PMID: 35409368 PMCID: PMC8999971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The medical community recognizes sex-related differences in pathophysiology and cardiovascular disease outcomes (CVD), culminating with heart failure. In general, pre-menopausal women tend to have a better prognosis than men. Explaining why this occurs is not a simple matter. For decades, sex hormones like estrogens (Es) have been identified as one of the leading factors driving these sex differences. Indeed, Es seem protective in women as their decline, during and after menopause, coincides with an increased CV risk and HF development. However, clinical trials demonstrated that E replacement in post-menopause women results in adverse cardiac events and increased risk of breast cancer. Thus, a deeper understanding of E-related mechanisms is needed to provide a vital gateway toward better CVD prevention and treatment in women. Of note, sphingolipids (SLs) and their metabolism are strictly related to E activities. Among the SLs, ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate play essential roles in mammalian physiology, particularly in the CV system, and appear differently modulated in males and females. In keeping with this view, here we explore the most recent experimental and clinical observations about the role of E and SL metabolism, emphasizing how these factors impact the CV system.
Collapse
|