The cell membrane and part of its components

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are cell membrane components and strongly influence its fluidity and receptor functions; phosphatidylcholine accounts for about 50% of membrane lipids, while phosphatidylethanolamine is usually about half that.

A study that focuses on cellular responses subjected to physical exertion

The recent clinical study “Skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine respond to exercise and influence insulin sensitivity in men”, published in Nature’s Scientific Report, shows that the ratio between these two phospholipids within skeletal muscle is modulated by physical activity and may affect glucose metabolism and mitochondrial energy. In men who do physical-motor activity of resistance and strength, glucose and insulin levels are improved and the mitochondrial area of skeletal muscle is increased, triggering greater expression of the gene that encodes for PGC-1 (PPAR-gamma coactivator-1), which regulates the creation of mitochondria.

Physical exercise intervenes, increasing, the muscle levels of both phospholipids, but the increase in PE is double that of PC, resulting in a reduced PC:PE ration. The PC:PE ratio was negatively correlated to a measure of body-wide insulin sensitivity.

This research has underlined the importance of physical-motor activity in relation to mitochondria, with a view to improving the way cellular resources are used and/or stored. This mechanism has, in turn, an impact on the state and aging of cells.