Sphingoid bases encompass a group of long chain amino alcohols which form the essential structure of sphingolipids. Over the last years, these amphiphilic molecules were moving more and more into the focus of biomedical research due to their role as bioactive molecules. In fact, free sphingoid bases interact with specific receptors and target molecules, and have been associated with numerous biological and physiological processes. In addition, they can modulate the biophysical properties of biological membranes. Several human diseases are related to pathological changes in the structure and metabolism of sphingoid bases. Yet, the mechanisms underlying their biological and pathophysiological actions remain elusive. Within this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the biochemical and biophysical properties of the most common sphingoid bases and to discuss their importance in health and disease.

鞘氨醇碱基包括一组长链氨基醇，其形成鞘脂的基本结构。在过去的几年中，这些两亲性分子由于其具有生物活性分子的作用而越来越多地成为生物医学研究的焦点。实际上，游离的类神经鞘碱基与特定的受体和靶分子相互作用，并且已经与许多生物学和生理学过程相关联。另外，它们可以调节生物膜的生物物理特性。几种人类疾病与鞘氨醇碱基的结构和代谢的病理变化有关。然而，其生物学和病理生理作用的基础机制仍然难以捉摸。在此评论中，