Advanced research about the effect of sphingosine-1-phosphate on bronchial asthma

Sphingolipids are molecules ubiquitously expressed in all kinds of eukaryotic cell membranes.Initially they were characterized as structural components of cell membranes.While with the development of research,sphingolipids have emerged as sources of vital singaling molecules.Sphingosinel-phosphate (S1P) is one of sphingolipid metabolites,which has roles as potent bioactive messengers involved in cell differentiation,proliferation,apoptosis and angigenesis.S1P plays a crucial role in the mechanism of bronchial asthma.A newly recognized addition to the repertoire of FceRI-mediated signaling events is the activation of sphingosine kinase leading to the generation of S1P from sphingosine.It is also demonstrated that S1P provokes the contraction of airway smooth muscle cells and airway remodeling.These novel pathways represent exciting potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of bronchial asthma and are described in the present review. Key words: Sphingosine-1-phosphate; Sphingosine kinase; Bronchial asthma