Inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis improves dyslipidemia in the diet-induced hamster model of insulin resistance: evidence for the role of sphingosine and sphinganine in hepatic VLDL-apoB100 overproduction.

Sphingolipids have emerged as important bioactive lipid species involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, little is known of the regulatory role of sphingolipids in dyslipidemia of insulin-resistant states. We employed hamster models of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance to investigate the role of sphingolipids in hepatic VLDL overproduction, induction of insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Autophagy: Emerging roles in lipid homeostasis and metabolic control.

Current evidence implicates autophagy in the regulation of lipid stores within the two main organs involved in maintaining lipid homeostasis, the liver and adipose tissue. Critical to this role in hepatocytes is the breakdown of cytoplasmic lipid droplets, a process referred to as lipophagy. Conversely, autophagy is required for adipocyte differentiation and the concurrent accumulation of lipid droplets.

MicroRNAs: emerging roles in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.

Purpose Of Review: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding to target mRNAs and control a wide range of biological functions. Recent reports have identified specific miRNAs as major regulators of fatty acid and cholesterol homeostasis. This review examines the biological function of various miRNAs and the emerging evidence linking specific miRNAs to critical pathways in lipid metabolism.