Introduction: Sphingolipid metabolism intertwines with most biological processes, including stress mechanism and inflammation. The balance between pro-apoptotic and pro-proliferative bioactive sphingolipids is essential to keep the normal functioning of the cell. The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of circulating sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide antibody as biomarkers in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Materials and methods: 66 subjects (34 controls and 32 patients with NSCLC) were recruited, from whom patient history and clinical variables were taken. Plasma samples from all participants and in case of bronchoscopy, bronchial washing fluid (BWF) samples were collected. The levels of S1P and ceramide antibody were measured with ELISA.

Results: Both S1P and plasma ceramide antibody levels were significantly higher in the NSCLC group.  S1P levels were 880 ng/mL [281.35-880 ng/mL] vs. 153.30 ng/mL [32.24-880 ng/mL], in patients with NSCLC vs. controls, respectively, p<.001. Plasma ceramide antibody levels were 268.90 ng/mL [68.81-496.21 ng/mL] vs. 206.99 ng/mL [36.03-258.82 ng/mL], in NSCLC patients vs. controls, respectively, p<0.01. We also measured elevated ceramide antibody levels in the BWF of the NSCLC group (155.29 ± 27.58 ng/mL vs. 105.87 ± 9.99 ng/mL in NSCLC patients vs. controls, respectively, p<0.001). 

Conclusion: We conclude that ceramide antibody and S1P have increased plasma levels in patients with NSCLC. The level of ceramide antibody is also elevated in BWF. These results suggest that sphingolipid alterations might be important features in the pathomechanism of NSCLC.