Bioactive Lipids

Abstract

Historically, lipids have been considered just as a source of energy for our bodies and as the basic unit of membranes. The discovery of the platelet-activating factor in 1979 as one of the first biologically active phospholipids was a relevant landmark in this field. Since then, some unique biological activities have been assigned to every single lipid class. For example, lipids, as small hydrophobic molecules, are extraordinary as chemical messengers to send information between organelles and to other cells. Additionally, polar lipids that contain hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions can interact distinctly with membrane proteins modulating their activities, while glycosphingolipids including their structure complex carbohydrates can play important roles in the immune system. Therefore, in this chapter, many relevant biological functions of some lipid classes from dietary sources will be extensively reviewed.