Plasmalogen
Plasmalogen
Plasmalogen (pronounced: plaz-ma-lo-gen) is a type of phospholipid that is abundantly found in the cell membrane of many organisms, including humans.
Etymology
The term "plasmalogen" is derived from the Greek words "plasma" meaning "something formed or molded" and "gen" meaning "to produce". It was first used in the early 20th century to describe a type of phospholipid that is formed in the body.
Definition
Plasmalogens are a subclass of glycerophospholipids that contain a vinyl ether and an ester bond at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of the glycerol backbone, respectively. The vinyl ether bond at the sn-1 position is susceptible to oxidative cleavage, which is thought to protect cells from oxidative damage.
Function
Plasmalogens play a crucial role in cell membrane integrity, lipid raft formation, and cell signaling. They are also involved in the cholesterol metabolism and have been found to have antioxidant properties.
Related Terms
Health Implications
Alterations in plasmalogen levels have been associated with various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. Therefore, understanding the role of plasmalogens in health and disease could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plasmalogen
- Wikipedia's article - Plasmalogen
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