Functions and biosynthesis of plasmalogens in health and disease

Plasmalogens (1-O-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl glycerophospholipids) constitute a special class of phospholipids characterized by the presence of a vinyl-ether bond at the sn-1 position. Although long considered as biological peculiarities, interest in this group of phospholipids has grown in recent years, thanks to the realization that plasmalogens are involved in different human diseases. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge with respect to the enzymatic synthesis of plasmalogens, the characteristic topology of the enzymes involved and the biological roles that have been assigned to plasmalogens. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.