NMR spectroscopic identification of cholesterol esters, plasmalogen and phenolic glycolipids as fingerprint markers of human intracranial tuberculomas

Impact of Conventional and Potential New Metal-Based Drugs on Lipid Metabolism in Osteosarcoma MG-63 Cells

This work investigated the mechanisms of action of conventional drugs, cisplatin and oxaliplatin, and the potentially less deleterious drug Pd2Spermine (Spm) and its Pt(II) analog, against osteosarcoma MG-63 cells, using nuclear-magnetic-resonance metabolomics of the cellular lipidome. The Pt(II) chelates induced different responses, namely regarding polyunsaturated-fatty-acids (increased upon cisplatin), suggesting that cisplatin-treated cells have higher membrane fluidity/permeability, thus facilitating cell entry and justifying higher cytotoxicity. Both conventional drugs significantly increased triglyceride levels, while Pt2Spm maintained control levels; this may reflect enhanced apoptotic behavior for conventional drugs, but not for Pt2Spm. Compared to Pt2Spm, the more cytotoxic Pd2Spm (IC50 comparable to cisplatin) induced a distinct phospholipids profile, possibly reflecting enhanced de novo biosynthesis to modulate membrane fluidity and drug-accessibility to cells, similarly to cisplatin. However, Pd2Spm differed from cisplatin in that cells had equivalent (low) levels of triglycerides as Pt2Spm, suggesting the absence/low extent of apoptosis. Our results suggest that Pd2Spm acts on MG-63 cells mainly through adaptation of cell membrane fluidity, whereas cisplatin seems to couple a similar effect with typical signs of apoptosis. These results were discussed in articulation with reported polar metabolome adaptations, building on the insight of these drugs' mechanisms, and particularly of Pd2Spm as a possible cisplatin substitute.

Tumor Lipid Signatures Are Descriptive of Acquisition of Therapy Resistance in an Endocrine-Related Breast Cancer Mouse Model

The lipid metabolism adaptations of estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer tumors from a mouse syngeneic model are investigated in relation to differences across the transition from hormone-dependent (HD) to hormone-independent (HI) tumor growth and the acquisition of endocrine therapy (ET) resistance (HIR tumors). Results are articulated with reported polar metabolome results to complete a metabolic picture of the above transitions and suggest markers of tumor progression and aggressiveness. Untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics was used to analyze tumor and mammary tissue lipid extracts. Tumor progression (HD-HI-HIR) was accompanied by increased nonesterified cholesterol forms and phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelins, and plasmalogens) and decreased relative contents of triglycerides and fatty acids. Predominating fatty acids became shorter and more saturated on average. These results were consistent with gradually more activated cholesterol synthesis, β-oxidation, and phospholipid biosynthesis to sustain tumor growth, as well as an increase in cholesterol (possibly oxysterol) forms. Particular compound levels and ratios were identified as potential endocrine tumor HD-HI-HIR progression markers, supporting new hypotheses to explain acquired ET resistance.

Two new halogenated sesquiterpene lactones from Palisada intermedia

Two new sesquiterpene lactones, laurenolide A (1) and laurenolide B (2), along with six known compounds, palmitic acid (3), (R,R)-hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (4), trans-phytol acetate (5), cholesterol (6), cholesteryl acetate (7), cholesteryl heptadecanoate (8) were isolated from Palisada intermedia. The chemical structures of all compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS analysis as well as compared with data in the literature. The petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol extracts and compounds 1, 2 were tested for the inhibition of two cancer cell lines MCF-7, NCI-H460 and they showed weak or none activities.

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals dysregulation of monounsaturated fatty acid metabolism upon SPINK1 attenuation in colorectal cancer

Metabolic reprogramming, a key hallmark of cancer, plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the accelerated biological demands of tumor cells. Such metabolic changes trigger the production of several proinflammatory factors, thereby inciting cancer development and its progression. Serine protease inhibitor Kazal Type 1 (SPINK1), well known for its oncogenic role and its upregulation via acute-phase reactions, is highly expressed in multiple cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we show accumulation of lipid droplets in CRC cells stained with Oil Red O upon SPINK1 silencing. Furthermore, NMR spectroscopy analysis revealed an accretion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and phosphatidylcholine in these CRC cells, while the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids remained unaltered. This alteration indicates the presence of MUFAs with the triglycerides in the lipid droplets as observed in SPINK1-silenced CRC cells. Considering the role of MUFAs in the anti-inflammatory response, our data hint that suppression of SPINK1 in CRC leads to activation of an anti-inflammatory signaling milieu. Conclusively, our study uncovers a connection between lipid metabolism and SPINK1-mediated CRC progression, hence paving the way for further exploration and better prognosis of SPINK1-positive CRC patients.

Endo- and Exometabolome Crosstalk in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Undergoing Osteogenic Differentiation

This paper describes, for the first time to our knowledge, a lipidome and exometabolome characterization of osteogenic differentiation for human adipose tissue stem cells (hAMSCs) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The holistic nature of NMR enabled the time-course evolution of cholesterol, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (including ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids), several phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelins, and plasmalogens), and mono- and triglycerides to be followed. Lipid changes occurred almost exclusively between days 1 and 7, followed by a tendency for lipidome stabilization after day 7. On average, phospholipids and longer and more unsaturated fatty acids increased up to day 7, probably related to plasma membrane fluidity. Articulation of lipidome changes with previously reported polar endometabolome profiling and with exometabolome changes reported here in the same cells, enabled important correlations to be established during hAMSC osteogenic differentiation. Our results supported hypotheses related to the dynamics of membrane remodelling, anti-oxidative mechanisms, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism. Importantly, the observation of specific up-taken or excreted metabolites paves the way for the identification of potential osteoinductive metabolites useful for optimized osteogenic protocols.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Affects Protein and Lipid Content of Circulating Exosomes in Infected Patients Depending on Tuberculosis Disease State

Tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is still one of the deadliest infectious diseases. Understanding how the host and pathogen interact in active TB will have a significant impact on global TB control efforts. Exosomes are increasingly recognized as a means of cell-to-cell contact and exchange of soluble mediators. In the case of TB, exosomes are released from the bacillus and infected cells. In the present study, a comprehensive lipidomics and proteomics analysis of size exclusion chromatography-isolated plasma-derived exosomes from patients with TB lymphadenitis (TBL) and treated as well as untreated pulmonary TB (PTB) was performed to elucidate the possibility to utilize exosomes in diagnostics and knowledge building. According to our findings, exosome-derived lipids and proteins originate from both the host and Mtb in the plasma of active TB patients. Exosomes from all patients are mostly composed of sphingomyelins (SM), phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylinositols, free fatty acids, triacylglycerols (TAG), and cholesterylesters. Relative proportions of, e.g., SMs and TAGs, vary depending on the disease or treatment state and could be linked to Mtb pathogenesis and dormancy. We identified three proteins of Mtb origin: DNA-directed RNA polymerase subunit beta (RpoC), Diacyglycerol O-acyltransferase (Rv2285), and Formate hydrogenase (HycE), the latter of which was discovered to be differently expressed in TBL patients. Furthermore, we discovered that Mtb infection alters the host protein composition of circulating exosomes, significantly affecting a total of 37 proteins. All TB patients had low levels of apolipoproteins, as well as the antibacterial proteins cathelicidin, Scavenger Receptor Cysteine Rich Family Member (SSC5D), and Ficolin 3 (FCN3). When compared to healthy controls, the protein profiles of PTB and TBL were substantially linked, with 14 proteins being co-regulated. However, adhesion proteins (integrins, Intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM2), CD151, Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4)) were shown to be more prevalent in PTB patients, while immunoglobulins, Complement component 1r (C1R), and Glutamate receptor-interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) were found to be more abundant in TBL patients, respectively. This study could confirm findings from previous reports and uncover novel molecular profiles not previously in focus of TB research. However, we applied a minimally invasive sampling and analysis of circulating exosomes in TB patients. Based on the findings given here, future studies into host–pathogen interactions could pave the way for the development of new vaccines and therapies.

NMR Metabolomic Analysis of Skeletal Muscle, Heart, and Liver of Hatchling Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) Experimentally Exposed to Crude Oil and/or Corexit

We used nuclear magnetic spectroscopy (NMR) to evaluate the metabolic impacts of crude oil, Corexit 5900A, a dispersant, and a crude oil Corexit 5900A mixture exposure on skeletal muscle, heart, and liver physiology of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Tissue samples were obtained from 22 seven-day-old hatchlings after a four day cutaneous exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of crude oil, Corexit 5900A, a combination of crude oil and Corexit 9500A, or a seawater control. We identified 38 metabolites in the aqueous extracts of the liver, and 30 metabolites in both the skeletal and heart muscle aqueous extracts, including organic acids/osmolytes, energy compounds, amino acids, ketone bodies, nucleosides, and nucleotides. Skeletal muscle lactate, creatines, and taurine concentrations were significantly lower in hatchlings exposed to crude oil than in control hatchlings. Lactate, taurine, and cholines appeared to be the basis of some variation in hatchling heart samples, and liver inosine, uracil, and uridine appeared to be influenced by Corexit and crude oil exposure. Observed decreases in concentrations of lactate and creatines may reflect energy depletion in skeletal muscle of oil-exposed animals, while decreased taurine concentrations in these animals may reflect higher oxidative stress.

Human meibum chain branching variability with age, gender and meibomian gland dysfunction

NMR spectroscopy was used to measure hydrocarbon chain branching variability in meibum with age, gender and Meibomian gland dysfuction (MGD). A cohort of 65 meibum donors without dry eye and 31 donors with MGD was studied. Heteronuclear 2D NMR was used to confirm CH₃ resonance assignments allowing us to positively identify 23 of the 27 proton resonances of cholesteryl ester and ¹H resonances due to straight chain, iso-branched and anteiso-branched hydrocarbons. Meibum from donors without dry eye contained 57 ± 1% straight-chains, 23 ± 1% iso-branched chains and 20 ± 1% anteiso-branched hydrocarbon chains. Compared with meibum from donors without dry eye, meibum from donors with MGD contained less, 50 ± 2% straight-chains, more, 32 ± 2% iso-branched chains and the same amount, 18.0 ± 0.07%, of anteiso-branched hydrocarbon chains. Meibum hydrocarbon chain branching did not change with age between 22 and 68 years of age, nor was it influenced by gender. Based on previous studies, one would expect anteiso-branched chains would contribute to lowering the phase transition temperature of meibum, decrease the elasticity of the tear film lipid layer and increase the molecular area and spreading of meibum on the surface of the eye. Although we speculate that the observed differences in iso-chain branching do not influence tear film stability or rheology, the speculation has yet to be tested.

Substantial Decrease in Plasmalogen in the Heart Associated with Tafazzin Deficiency

Tafazzin is the mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes transacylation between a phospholipid and a lysophospholipid in remodeling. Mutations in tafazzin cause Barth syndrome, a potentially life-threatening disease with the major symptom being cardiomyopathy. In the tafazzin-deficient heart, cardiolipin (CL) acyl chains become abnormally heterogeneous unlike those in the normal heart with a single dominant linoleoyl species, tetralinoleoyl CL. In addition, the amount of CL decreases and monolysocardiolipin (MLCL) accumulates. Here we determine using high-resolution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance with cryoprobe technology the fundamental phospholipid composition, including the major but oxidation-labile plasmalogens, in the tafazzin-knockdown (TAZ-KD) mouse heart as a model of Barth syndrome. In addition to confirming a lower level of CL (6.4 ± 0.1 → 2.0 ± 0.4 mol % of the total phospholipid) and accumulation of MLCL (not detected → 3.3 ± 0.5 mol %) in the TAZ-KD, we found a substantial reduction in the level of plasmenylcholine (30.8 ± 2.8 → 18.1 ± 3.1 mol %), the most abundant phospholipid in the control wild type. A quantitative Western blot revealed that while the level of peroxisomes, where early steps of plasmalogen synthesis take place, was normal in the TAZ-KD model, expression of Far1 as a rate-determining enzyme in plasmalogen synthesis was dramatically upregulated by 8.3 (±1.6)-fold to accelerate the synthesis in response to the reduced level of plasmalogen. We confirmed lyso-plasmenylcholine or plasmenylcholine is a substrate of purified tafazzin for transacylation with CL or MLCL, respectively. Our results suggest that plasmenylcholine, abundant in linoleoyl species, is important in remodeling CL in the heart. Tafazzin deficiency thus has a major impact on the cardiac plasmenylcholine level and thereby its functions.

LipSpin: A New Bioinformatics Tool for Quantitative 1H NMR Lipid Profiling

The structural similarity among lipid species and the low sensitivity and spectral resolution of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have traditionally hampered the routine use of ¹H NMR lipid profiling of complex biological samples in metabolomics, which remains mostly manual and lacks freely available bioinformatics tools. However, ¹H NMR lipid profiling provides fast quantitative screening of major lipid classes (fatty acids, glycerolipids, phospholipids, and sterols) and some individual species and has been used in several clinical and nutritional studies, leading to improved risk prediction models. In this Article, we present LipSpin, a free and open-source bioinformatics tool for quantitative ¹H NMR lipid profiling. LipSpin implements a constrained line shape fitting algorithm based on voigt profiles and spectral templates from spectra of lipid standards, which automates the analysis of severely overlapped spectral regions and lipid signals with complex coupling patterns. LipSpin provides the most detailed quantification of fatty acid families and choline phospholipids in serum lipid samples by ¹H NMR to date. Moreover, analytical and clinical results using LipSpin quantifications conform with other techniques commonly used for lipid analysis.

Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) Spectroscopy-Based Analysis of Lipid Components in Serum/Plasma of Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR) is a useful tool for the analysis of lipid components in biofluids such as serum/plasma. Such tool is applied for the analysis of lipid components in serum/plasma of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The practical approach of sampling, storage, lipid extraction procedure, sample preparation before performing the ¹H NMR spectroscopy experiments is presented. All the experimental parameters of NMR spectroscopy are also described. Details of the assignments of lipid components (qualitative analysis) and quantification of particular lipid components (quantitative analysis) are explained.

Abnormal lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle tissue of patients with muscular dystrophy: In vitro, high-resolution NMR spectroscopy based observation in early phase of the disease

PURPOSE

Qualitative (assignment of lipid components) and quantitative (quantification of lipid components) analysis of lipid components were performed in skeletal muscle tissue of patients with muscular dystrophy in early phase of the disease as compared to control/normal subjects.

METHODS

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy based experiment was performed on the lipid extract of skeletal muscle tissue of patients with muscular dystrophy in early phase of the disease and normal individuals for the analysis of lipid components [triglycerides, phospholipids, total cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic, linolenic and linoleic acid)]. Specimens of muscle tissue were obtained from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) [n=11; Age, Mean±SD; 9.2±1.4years; all were males], Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) [n=12; Age, Mean±SD; 21.4±5.0years; all were males], facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) [n=11; Age, Mean±SD; 23.7±7.5years; all were males] and limb girdle muscular dystrophy-2B (LGMD-2B) [n=18; Age, Mean±SD; 24.2±4.1years; all were males]. Muscle specimens were also obtained from [n=30; Mean age±SD 23.1±6.0years; all were males] normal/control subjects.

RESULTS

Assigned lipid components in skeletal muscle tissue were triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL), total cholesterol (CHOL) and unsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic, linolenic and linoleic acid)]. Quantity of lipid components was observed in skeletal muscle tissue of DMD, BMD, FSHD and LGMD-2B patients as compared to control/normal subjects. TG was significantly elevated in muscle tissue of DMD, BMD and LGMD-2B patients. Increase level of CHOL was found only in muscle of DMD patients. Level of PL was found insignificant for DMD, BMD and LGMD-2B patients. Quantity of TG, PL and CHOL was unaltered in the muscle of patients with FSHD as compared to control/normal subjects. Linoleic acids were significantly reduced in muscle tissue of DMD, BMD, FSHD and LGMD-2B as compared to normal/control individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Results clearly indicate alteration of lipid metabolism in patients with muscular dystrophy in early phase of the disease. Moreover, further evaluation is required to understand whether these changes are primary or secondary to muscular dystrophy. In future, these findings may prove an additional and improved approach for the diagnosis of different forms of muscular dystrophy.

Aqueous and lipid nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomic profiles of the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa show potential as an indicator species for environmental metabolomics

The common pasture earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa has often been neglected in environmental metabolomics in favor of species easily bred in the laboratory. The present study assigns aqueous metabolites in A. caliginosa using high-resolution 1- and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In total, 51 aqueous metabolites were identified, including typical amino acids (alanine, leucine, asparagine, phenylalanine), sugars (maltose, glucose), the dominant earthworm-specific 2-hexyl-5-ethyl-furansulfonate, and several previously unreported metabolites (oxoglutarate, putrescine). Examining the lesser-known earthworm lipid metabolome showed various lipid fatty acyl chains, cholesterol, and phosphatidylcholine. To briefly test if the NMR metabolomic techniques could differentiate A. caliginosa from different sites, earthworms were collected from 2 adjacent farms. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis detected metabolomic differences, suggesting the worms from the 2 sites differed in their energy metabolism, as indicated by altered levels of alanine, glutamine, glutamate, malate, fumarate, and lipids. Evidence of greater utilization of lipid energy reserves and onset of protein catabolism was also present. While the precise cause of the metabolomic differences could not be determined, the results show the potential of this species for further environmental metabolomic studies.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant and inhibitory effects of some marine sponges against carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes

BACKGROUND

More than 15,000 marine products have been described up to now; Sponges are champion producers, concerning the diversity of products that have been found. Most bioactive compounds from sponges were classified into anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immuno- or neurosurpressive, antiviral, antimalarial, antibiotic, or antifouling. Evaluation of in vitro inhibitory effects of different extracts from four marine sponges versus some antioxidants indices and carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes concerned with diabetes mellitus was studied. The chemical characterizations for the extracts of the predominating sponges; SP1 and SP3 were discussed.

METHODS

All chemicals served in the biological study were of analytical grade and purchased from Sigma, Merck and Aldrich. All kits were the products of Biosystems (Spain), Sigma Chemical Company (USA), Biodiagnostic (Egypt). Carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes; α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and β-galactosidase (EC3.2.1.1, EC3.2.1.20, and EC3.2.1.23, respectively) were obtained from Sigma Chemical Company (USA).

RESULTS

Four marine sponges; Smenospongia (SP1), Callyspongia (SP2), Niphates (SP3), and Stylissa (SP4), were collected from the Red Sea at Egyptian coasts, and taxonomically characterized. The sponges' extracts exhibited diverse inhibitory effects on oxidative stress indices and carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes in linear relationships to some extent with concentration of inhibitors (dose dependant). The extracts of sponges (3, 1, and 2) showed, respectively, potent-reducing power. Purification and Chemical characterization of sponge 1 using NMR and mass spectroscopy, recognized the existence of di-isobutyl phthalate (1), di-n-butyl phthalate (2), linoleic acid (3), β-sitosterol (4), and cholesterol (5). Sponge 3 produced bis-[2-ethyl]-hexyl-phthylester (6) and triglyceride fatty acid ester (7).

CONCLUSION

Marine sponges are promising sources for delivering of bioactive compounds. Four marine sponges, collected from Red Sea at Egyptian coasts, were identified as Smenospongia (SP1), Callyspongia (SP2), Niphates (SP3), and Stylissa (SP4). The results demonstrated that different sponges extracts exhibited inhibitory effects on oxidative stress indices and carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes in linear relationships to some extent with concentration of inhibitors (dose dependant). The extracts of sponges (3, 1, and 2) showed, respectively, potent-reducing power. Chemical characterizations of sponges SP1 and SP3 were discussed. Based on this study, marine sponges are considered as talented sources for production of diverse and multiple biologically active compounds.

Use of 1H and 31P HRMAS to evaluate the relationship between quantitative alterations in metabolite concentrations and tissue features in human brain tumour biopsies

Quantitative multinuclear high-resolution magic angle spinning was performed in order to determine the tissue pH values of and the absolute metabolite concentrations in 33 samples of human brain tumour tissue. Metabolite concentrations were quantified by 1D (1)H and (31)P HRMAS using the electronic reference to in vivo concentrations (ERETIC) synthetic signal. (1)H-(1)H homonuclear and (1)H-(31)P heteronuclear correlation experiments enabled the direct assessment of the (1)H-(31)P spin systems for signals that suffered from overlapping in the 1D (1)H spectra, and linked the information present in the 1D (1)H and (31)P spectra. Afterwards, the main histological features were determined, and high heterogeneity in the tumour content, necrotic content and nonaffected tissue content was observed. The metabolite profiles obtained by HRMAS showed characteristics typical of tumour tissues: rather low levels of energetic molecules and increased concentrations of protective metabolites. Nevertheless, these characteristics were more strongly correlated with the total amount of living tissue than with the tumour cell contents of the samples alone, which could indicate that the sampling conditions make a significant contribution aside from the effect of tumour development in vivo. The use of methylene diphosphonic acid as a chemical shift and concentration reference for the (31)P HRMAS spectra of tissues presented important drawbacks due to its interaction with the tissue. Moreover, the pH data obtained from (31)P HRMAS enabled us to establish a correlation between the pH and the distance between the N(CH(3))(3) signals of phosphocholine and choline in (1)H spectra of the tissue in these tumour samples.

Lipid profiling of cancerous and benign gallbladder tissues by 1H NMR spectroscopy

Qualitative and quantitative (1) H NMR analysis of lipid extracts of gallbladder tissue in chronic cholecystitis (CC, benign) (n = 14), xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC, intermediate) (n = 9) and gallbladder cancer (GBC, malignant) (n = 8) was carried out to understand the mechanisms involved in the transformation of benign gallbladder tissue to intermediate and malignant tissue. The results revealed alterations in various tissue lipid components in gallbladder in CC, XGC and GBC. The difference in the nature of lipid components in benign and malignant disease may aid in the identification of the biological pathways involved in the etiopathogenesis of GBC. This is the first study on lipid profiling of gallbladder tissue by (1) H NMR spectroscopy, and has possible implications for the development of future diagnostic approaches.

High resolution NMR based analysis of serum lipids in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and its possible diagnostic significance

Proton NMR spectroscopic investigations on the lipid extract of the serum of 41 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) (age, mean +/- SD; 8.0 +/- 3.0 years) patients and 22 healthy subjects (age, mean +/- SD; 9.0 +/- 4.0 years) were performed in the northern Indian population. The concentration of triglycerides, phospholipids, free cholesterol, cholesterol esters and total cholesterol was significantly higher in DMD patients as compared to healthy subjects. Ratio of free-cholesterol to cholesterol-esters was also significantly higher in DMD patients. Among the individual lipids, concentration of phospholipids was found to be consistently higher in DMD patients compared to healthy subjects, with a discriminatory index of 87.5%. The highest discriminatory index of 92% was found along with the ratio of PL (phospholipids) to CHOL (cholesterol), i.e. PL/CHOL. No significant quantitative difference was observed in the serum lipid constituents of positive and negative gene deletion cases of DMD. The inferences drawn from this study may provide the possibility of the diagnostic importance for DMD, especially in cases where genetic analysis fails to provide the diagnosis.