Fig. 4

The role of lipins in the pathophysiology of CVDs. A normal quantity and quality of lipins are important for maintaining a balance in lipid metabolism and for the orderly functioning of related signaling pathways in the heart, adipose tissue, liver, and macrophages; perturbation of these processes then contributes to the pathology underlying CVDs. A diminution in lipin 1 in cardiomyocytes is specifically associated with reduced cardiac function and heart maladaptation during stress. Lipin 1 portrays a major role in adipose tissue, and defects in the molecule are related to dyslipidemia, systemic insulin resistance, elevated inflammation, and adipokine disturbances. Intriguingly, in macrophages, lipin 2 appears to be anti-inflammatory while lipin 1 appears to be pro-inflammatory. In the liver, lack of lipin 1 or 2 is related to dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammation, while excessive lipin 1 or 2 induced by some triggers leads to hepatic insulin resistance. However, ascertaining whether alterations in the liver exert a direct influence on the cardiovascular system, and identifying the mechanism(s) by which lipins govern the regulation of other cardiovascular components, remain unresolved