Work

A Role for Sphingolipids in Producing the Common Features of Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome X, and Cushing’s Syndrome

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: Metabolic syndrome X and type 2 diabetes share many metabolic and morphological similarities with Cushing's syndrome, a rare disorder caused by systemic glucocorticoid excess. Pathologies frequently associated with these diseases include insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, susceptibility to infection, poor wound healing, and hypertension. The similarity of the clinical profiles associated with these disorders suggests the influence of a common molecular mechanism for disease onset. Interestingly, numerous studies identify ceramides and other sphingolipids as potential contributors to these sequelae. Herein we review studies demonstrating that aberrant ceramide accumulation contributes to the development of the deleterious clinical manifestations associated with these diseases.

Source: Diabetes

DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.54.3.591

Authors: Scott A. Summers, Don H. Nelson

Institution: University of Utah

Language: English

Topic: Sphingolipid Metabolism and Signaling

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: American Diabetes Association, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases