Abstract
Sphingolipids (SL) are a family of bioactive lipids and a major cellular membrane structural component. SLs include three main compounds: ceramide (Cer), sphingosine (Sp), and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S-1P), all of which have emerging roles in biological functions in cells, especially in the liver. They are under investigation in various liver diseases, including cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. In this review, we provide an overview on the role of SLs in liver pathobiology and focus on their potential role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. We describe recent evidence and suggest SLs are a promising potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver disease and fibrosis.
Keywords:
inflammation; liver fibrosis; sphingolipids; sphingosine kinase.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Proliferation
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Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
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Extracellular Matrix / pathology
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Hepatic Stellate Cells / metabolism
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Hepatic Stellate Cells / pathology
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Humans
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Kupffer Cells / metabolism
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Kupffer Cells / pathology
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Liver / drug effects
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Liver / metabolism*
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Liver / pathology
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Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy
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Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism*
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Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
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Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) / antagonists & inhibitors
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Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) / metabolism
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Signal Transduction
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Sphingolipids / metabolism*
Substances
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Enzyme Inhibitors
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Sphingolipids
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Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)
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sphingosine kinase