Since globotetraosylceramide was defined as a major glycosphingolipid in human erythrocytes, various glycolipids have been found in normal cells and diseased organs. However, the implications of their polymorphic structures in the function of individual cells and tissues have not been clarified. Genetic manipulation of glycosphingolipids in cultured cells and experimental animals has enabled us to substantially elucidate their roles. In fact, great progress has been achieved in the last 70 years in revealing that glycolipids are essential in the maintenance of integrity of nervous tissues and other organs. Furthermore, the correct composition of glycosphingolipids has been shown to be critical for the protection against inflammation and degeneration. Here, we summarized historic information and current knowledge about glycosphingolipids, with a focus on their involvement in inflammation and degeneration. This topic is significant for understanding the biological responses to various stresses, because glycosphingolipids play roles in the interaction with various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. These findings are also important for the application of therapeutic interventions of various diseases.

中文翻译：

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阐明糖鞘脂在炎症和变性调节中的作用-在过去70年中取得了长足进步。

由于将球四糖神经酰胺定义为人红细胞中主要的鞘糖脂，因此在正常细胞和患病器官中发现了各种糖脂。然而，尚未弄清其多态结构对单个细胞和组织功能的影响。糖鞘脂在培养细胞和实验动物中的遗传操作使我们能够基本阐明它们的作用。实际上，在过去的70年中，在揭示糖脂对于维持神经组织和其他器官的完整性至关重要方面已经取得了巨大的进步。此外，糖鞘脂的正确组成已被证明对于防止炎症和变性至关重要。在这里，我们总结了有关糖鞘脂的历史信息和最新知识，重点是他们参与炎症和变性。由于糖鞘脂在与各种内在和外在因素的相互作用中起着作用，因此该主题对于理解对各种压力的生物学反应具有重要意义。这些发现对于各种疾病的治疗干预的应用也很重要。