Beneficial Effects of Bioactive Phospholipids: Genomic Bases

Nutritional-related diseases such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension or cancer are increasingly prevalent in industrialized countries. Dietary lipids have been found to play a significant role in the prevention and improvement of the management of several of these chronic diseases. Closely to 10% of the intake of total dietary lipids correspond to phospholipids (PLs), which have been recognized as important contributors to their beneficial effects in human health. Bioactive PLs have essential roles as signaling and regulatory molecules, being involved in major cell functions such as cell growth, death, senescence, adhesion, migration or cell integrity. The analysis of the mechanisms of how PLs are involved in these varied cell functions is necessary for understanding and profiting from bioactive PLs action. This review explores the genomic bases of the physiological functions and molecular actions of bioactive PLs, and their effect in the development of chronic diseases.