Impact of Acute Pancreatic Injury on Sphingolipid Metabolism in the Salivary Glands

Acute pancreatic injury can be related to both parenchymal (responsible for exocrine functions) and islet (mainly β-cells, responsible for endocrine functions) damage. During embryonic development, both the salivary glands and the pancreas originate from the foregut, which explains many of the observed histological and functional similarities between these two organs. The relationship between several diseases of the pancreas and salivary glands, resulting from morphological and functional similarities, is well established. Sphingolipids constitute a class of biologically active molecules involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including acute pancreatitis (AP) and diabetes mellitus. However, the effect of AP on sphingolipid metabolism in the salivary glands remains uncertain. In the presented study, we examined the effect of AP and type 1 diabetes mellitus on sphingolipid metabolism in the salivary glands of rats. We demonstrated that acute pancreatic injury, related to both exocrine and endocrine functions, affects the metabolism of sphingolipids in the parotid, but not submandibular, salivary glands

Salivary glands dysfunction and oral manifestations in diabetes and obesity - review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders of multiple etiologies characterized by hyperglycemia. In 2014 it affected approximately 422 million individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, it is associated with a set of co-morbidities that contribute to a significantly reduced, i.e. 5-10 years, life expectancy. The following review will discuss the most common long-term complications of diabetes. For practical reasons we decided to narrow our interests to its very widespread, even 90-95% of the cases, form - type 2 diabetes mellitus. During the discussion particular emphasis will be placed on the salivary glands function since previous investigation has confirmed its relation to many burdensome oral diseases, while the effective medical care over diabetic patients requires better understanding of pathomechanisms of its (i.e. diabetic) oral manifestations

Inhibition of Ceramide De Novo Synthesis with Myriocin Affects Lipid Metabolism in the Liver of Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes

Nowadays diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases. Sphingolipids, which are vitally important constituents of intracellular signal transduction pathways, may be among the most pathogenic lipid moieties intermingled in the origin and development of diabetes. It is now well established that inhibition of de novo ceramide synthesis with myriocin exerts positive effects on lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes mellitus animal models. However, its influence on type I diabetes still remains unknown. Therefore, the scope of this paper is to fulfill that particular gap in our knowledge

Analysis of trace element content in hair of autistic children

Determination of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders is one of the major challenges for modern scientists. The main pathogenic factors implicated in these disorders are epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors, which include toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Mn, Al and As). Also, the nervous system may be affected by the deficiency of microand macroelements (e.g. Zn and Mg). The aim of the work was to analyze the content of particular trace elements in the hair of autistic children. The study material comprised samples of hair collected from both autistic children (study group) and children chosen randomly from general population (control group). The concentrations of Mg, Zn, Cd and Mn were measured by electron scanning microscopy on a Hitachi TM-3000 apparatus, and by X-ray EDS microanalysis. The content of trace elements in hair, mutual interactions between them and their impact on the development of autism in children were evaluated. The results were statistically analyzed with the use of Statistica PL 12.5 software, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon matched-pair test and R-Spearman correlation. According to the study, children diagnosed with autism suffer from both Zn deficiency and toxic metal burden (Cd and Mn). The changes observed in Mg level were statistically insignificant. These abnormalities, as an environmental factor, may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of this disease

Analysis of trace element content in hair of autistic children

Determination of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders is one of the major challenges for modern scientists. The main pathogenic factors implicated in these disorders are epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors, which include toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Mn, Al and As). Also, the nervous system may be affected by the deficiency of microand macroelements (e.g. Zn and Mg). The aim of the work was to analyze the content of particular trace elements in the hair of autistic children. The study material comprised samples of hair collected from both autistic children (study group) and children chosen randomly from general population (control group). The concentrations of Mg, Zn, Cd and Mn were measured by electron scanning microscopy on a Hitachi TM-3000 apparatus, and by X-ray EDS microanalysis. The content of trace elements in hair, mutual interactions between them and their impact on the development of autism in children were evaluated. The results were statistically analyzed with the use of Statistica PL 12.5 software, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon matched-pair test and R-Spearman correlation. According to the study, children diagnosed with autism suffer from both Zn deficiency and toxic metal burden (Cd and Mn). The changes observed in Mg level were statistically insignificant. These abnormalities, as an environmental factor, may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of this disease

Metabolism, Physiological Role, and Clinical Implications of Sphingolipids in Gastrointestinal Tract

Sphingolipids in digestive system are responsible for numerous important physiological and pathological processes. In the membrane of gut epithelial cells, sphingolipids provide structural integrity, regulate absorption of some nutrients, and act as receptors for many microbial antigens and their toxins. Moreover, bioactive sphingolipids such as ceramide or sphingosine-1-phosphate regulate cellular growth, differentiation, and programmed cell death—apoptosis. Although it is well established that sphingolipids have clinical implications in gastrointestinal tumorigenesis or inflammation, further studies are needed to fully explore the role of sphingolipids in neoplastic and inflammatory diseases in gastrointestinal tract. Pharmacological agents which regulate metabolism of sphingolipids can be potentially used in the management of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of this work is to critically the review physiological and pathological roles of sphingolipids in the gastrointestinal tract