Lipid profiles reveal sex differences in type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, or T2D, is a metabolic disorder that affects global communities disproportionally. For example, South Asians face a particularly high risk. Changes in lipid species affect T2D, but scientists have not identified any reliable lipid biomarkers. Fatty acids, or FAs, are the major components of many lipids, and they can be potential lipid biomarkers. However, conflicting findings have left unclear how essential FAs relate to T2D development.
In a recent study in the Journal of Lipid Research, Madhusmita Rout and a team of researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center investigated the lipid profiles of individuals from a well-characterized cohort of Asian Indians. They found that in T2D, levels of two key cell membrane components — sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholines — decreased, while free FAs and lysophosphatidylcholines, or LPCs, increased. After adjusting for age, sex and body mass index, or BMI, they saw significant increases in several essential FAs, such as the omega-6 FA arachidonic acid and the omega-3 FA docosahexaenoic acid. However, in obese individuals, most omega-3 and omega-6 FAs were reduced two- to six-fold. The team also observed sex- and age-related lipid differences. For example, one LPC type was elevated in men of all ages but rose in women only after menopause.
Ultimately, this study identified potentially useful lipid biomarkers that could possibly affect the development of T2D and obesity. Future directions include clarifying the relationship between omega FAs and T2D, as well as the role of essential FAs in human metabolic diseases.
Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in Science
Science highlights or most popular articles
Avoiding common figure errors in manuscript submissions
The three figure issues most often flagged during JBC’s data integrity review are background signal errors, image reuse and undeclared splicing errors. Learn how to avoid these and prevent mistakes that could impede publication.
Ragweed compound thwarts aggressive bladder and breast cancers
Scientists from the University of Michigan reveal the mechanism of action of ambrosin, a compound from ragweed, selectively attacks advanced bladder and breast cancer cells in cell-based models, highlighting its potential to treat advanced tumors.
Lipid-lowering therapies could help treat IBD
Genetic evidence shows that drugs that reduce cholesterol or triglyceride levels can either raise or lower inflammatory bowel disease risk by altering gut microbes and immune signaling.
Key regulator of cholesterol protects against Alzheimer’s disease
A new study identifies oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 6 as a central controller of brain cholesterol balance, with protective effects against Alzheimer’s-related neurodegeneration.
From humble beginnings to unlocking lysosomal secrets
Monther Abu–Remaileh will receive the ASBMB’s 2026 Walter A. Shaw Young Investigator Award in Lipid Research at the ASBMB Annual Meeting, March 7-10 in Washington, D.C.
Chemistry meets biology to thwart parasites
Margaret Phillips will receive the Alice and C. C. Wang Award in Molecular Parasitology at the ASBMB Annual Meeting, March 7-10 in Washington, D.C.