Abstract
Aim:Decreased circulating levels of lysophosphatidylcholines have been monitored in the serum of tuberculosis (TB) patients. However, the etiology of these findings has not been explored and other critical lung surfactant lipids have not been examined.Materials & methods:We undertook a lipidomics analysis of 30 controls and 30 TB patients, utilizing a high-resolution mass spectrometric analytical platform that assays over 1800 lipids.Findings:As previously reported, we found decrements in the plasma levels of lysophosphatidylcholines in TB patients. In addition, we report for the first time that there are increases in the plasma levels of phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylglycerols in TB patients.Conclusion:These data suggest that TB results in altered glycerophosphocholine remodeling involving deacylation–reacylation reactions at sn-2 of the glycerol backbone. Such alterations in lipid remodeling have the potential to exert negative effects on the function of lung surfactant, on signal transduction mechanisms and membrane structural lipid architecture in TB patients.
Highlights
Patients. r Increased circulating levels of phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylglycerols were measured in the plasma of TB
Patients. r These data suggest that an uncoupling of phosphatidylcholine-coordinated deacylation–reacylation reactions occurs in TB patients. r Our findings offer the potential for utilizing new biomarkers to monitor the efficacy of current and new patient treatment strategies in the future
PL Wood drafted the manuscript that was reviewed by all authors
Summary
Decreased circulating levels of lysophosphatidylcholines have been monitored in the serum of tuberculosis (TB) patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
