Sphingolipids and deoxysphingolipids in diabetes.

Aims: Sphingolipids are a heterogeneous class of lipids derived from sphingosine that contribute to plasma membrane and lipoprotein formation. Their synthesis is typically initiated by the conjugation of L-serine and palmitoyl-CoA in a reaction catalysed by serine palmitoyltransferase. This enzyme can also use other amino acid substrates such as L-alanine and glycine, giving rise to a spectrum of atypical sphingolipids. There is mounting evidence for a role for sphingolipids in insulin resistance and diabetes. Here, we aimed to identify changes in plasma sphingoid base profiles in type 1 and type 2 diabetes to explore their potential as biomarkers.