Analysis of Sphingolipids in Pediatric Patients with Cholelithiasis—A Preliminary Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Disturbances in the sphingolipid profile are observed in many diseases. There are currently no data available on the evaluation of sphingolipids and ceramides in cholelithiasis in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of sphingolipids in the sera of pediatric patients with gallstones. We determined their relationship with anthropometric and biochemical parameters. (2) Methods: The concentrations of sphingolipids in serum samples were evaluated using a quantitative method, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. (3) Results: The prospective study included 48 children and adolescents diagnosed with gallstones and 38 controls. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC); sphinganine (SPA); ceramides—C14:0-Cer, C16:0-Cer, C18:1-Cer, C18:0-Cer, C20:0-Cer and C24:1-Cer; and lactosylceramides—C16:0-LacCer, C18:0-LacCer, C18:1-LacCer, C24:0-LacCer and C24:1-LacCer differed significantly between patients with cholelithiasis and without cholelithiasis. After adjusting for age, gender, obesity and TC and TG levels, we found the best differentiating sphingolipids for cholelithiasis in the form of decreased SPA, C14:0-Cer, C16:0-Cer, C24:1-LacCer and C24:0-LacCer concentration and increased C20:0-Cer, C24:1-Cer, C16:0-LacCer and C18:1-LacCer. The highest area under the curve (AUC), specificity and sensitivity were determined for C16:0-Cer with cholelithiasis diagnosis. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that serum sphingolipids may be potential biomarkers in pediatric patients with cholelithiasis.