An Updated Review of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Plasma Lysophosphatidylcholines in the Vascular System

Abstract

Lysophosphatidylcholines are a group of bioactive lipids heavily investigated in the context of inflammation and atherosclerosis development. While present in plasma during physiological conditions, their concentration can drastically increase in certain inflammatory states. Lysophosphatidylcholines are widely regarded as potent pro-inflammatory and deleterious mediators, but an increasing number of more recent studies show multiple beneficial properties under various pathological conditions. Many of the discrepancies in the published studies are due to the investigation of different species or mixtures of lysophatidylcholines and the use of supra-physiological concentrations in the absence of serum or other carrier proteins. Furthermore, interpretation of the results is complicated by the rapid metabolism of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in cells and tissues to pro-inflammatory lysophosphatidic acid. Interestingly, most of the recent studies, in contrast to older studies, found lower LPC plasma levels associated with unfavorable disease outcomes. Being the most abundant lysophospholipid in plasma, it is of utmost importance to understand its physiological functions and shed light on the discordant literature connected to its research. LPCs should be recognized as important homeostatic mediators involved in all stages of vascular inflammation. In this review, we want to point out potential pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of lysophospholipids in the vascular system and highlight recent discoveries about the effect of lysophosphatidylcholines on immune cells at the endothelial vascular interface. We will also look at their potential clinical application as biomarkers.

Emerging Role of Phospholipase-Derived Cleavage Products in Regulating Eosinophil Activity: Focus on Lysophospholipids, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids

“…Studies investigating the effects of LPC on immune cells are contradictory [ 135 ]. Specifically, most older studies investigating the effects of LPCs on eosinophils found them to be pro-inflammatory–increasing the activation, adhesion, and migration of eosinophils [ 115 , 116 ].…”

Targeted Metabolomics Identifies High Performing Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for COVID-19

“…It has been demonstrated that the acyl chain length and saturation may impact biological activity and function of different LPCs 22 and this may explain the different patterns found by us in our study. Some authors have suggested that the modulation of host glycerophospholipid metabolism is to support virus replication [23][24][25] , but most importantly, LPCs have been recognized as important homeostatic mediators involved in in ammation and activation of immune cells 26 . LPCs have been found to act as a strong chemoattractant for monocytes, T cells, as well as natural killer (NK) cells, attracting them to sites of in ammation 26 .…”

Multi-omics Analysis of Redox Imbalance-Related Mild Health Problems in Monkeys

“…Although there are some phenomena that cannot be directly explained by the redox state, for example, the concentration of LPC in the plasma (strongly inversely correlated with soft stool) increases in certain in ammatory conditions, but recently there have been reports that a decrease in plasma LPC concentration worsens the disease 53 . However, the mechanism of action of some lipids is complex, and not all of them can be explained.…”