Abstract
In the past several years significant advances have been made in our understanding of phospholipid functions. Several lines of clinical and experimental data suggest that phospholipids play important roles on cell functions and life activities. Its physiological importance can be attributed to at least three distinct functions. First, phospholipids maintain overall biomembranes by composing lipid bilayer. Second, phospholipid metabolites (eicosanoids etc.) are concerned in physiological reactions as chemical mediators. Third, phospholipid metabolites (inositol 3-phosphate, diacylglycerol, etc.) work as signal transducers in a cerebral nerve system and cells. In this article recent information on the roles and the functions of phospholipids will be reviewed. Because this topic is broad, we will focus on the role of phospholipids in lipoprotein metabolism and the effects of dietary phospholipids on liver and brain functions.
