Ying and Yang of Ceramide in the Vascular Endothelium.
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol
; 44(8): 1725-1736, 2024 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38899471
ABSTRACT
Ceramides, a group of biologically active sphingolipids, have been described as the new cholesterol given strong evidence linking high plasma ceramide with endothelial damage, risk for early adverse cardiovascular events, and development of cardiometabolic disease. This relationship has sparked great interest in investigating therapeutic targets with the goal of suppressing ceramide formation. However, the growing data challenge this paradigm of ceramide as solely eliciting detrimental effects to the cardiovascular system. Studies show that ceramides are necessary for maintaining proper endothelial redox states, mechanosensation, and membrane integrity. Recent work in preclinical models and isolated human microvessels highlights that the loss of ceramide formation can in fact propagate vascular endothelial dysfunction. Here, we delve into these conflicting findings to evaluate how ceramide may be capable of exerting both beneficial and damaging effects within the vascular endothelium. We propose a unifying theory that while basal levels of ceramide in response to physiological stimuli are required for the production of vasoprotective metabolites such as S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate), the chronic accumulation of ceramide can promote activation of pro-oxidative stress pathways in endothelial cells. Clinically, the evidence discussed here highlights the potential challenges associated with therapeutic suppression of ceramide formation as a means of reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Esfingosina
/
Endotélio Vascular
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Doenças Cardiovasculares
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Ceramidas
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Estresse Oxidativo
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol
Assunto da revista:
ANGIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article