Phospholipids and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): The Connection Between the Brain, Skin, and Vascular System
Understanding how essential membrane lipids support neurological function, vascular integrity, and skin health—and how autoimmune antibodies in APS can disrupt these systems. Introduction Phospholipids are essential components of nearly every cell in the human body. They provide the structural foundation of biological membranes and participate in cellular communication, lipid transport, inflammation, and neurological function. Their importance is particularly evident in the brain, skin, and vascular system, where normal cellular function depends on the integrity of membranes and the complex signaling processes associated with them. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) associated with an increased risk of abnormal blood clotting. Despite its name, APS does not simply involve antibodies attacking all phospholipids. Instead, many clinically important antibodies recognize phospholipid-binding proteins,...