Phospholipase A2, a nonnegligible enzyme superfamily in gastrointestinal diseases

Gastrointestinal tract is important for digestion, absorption, detoxification and immunity. Gastrointestinal diseases are mainly caused by the imbalance of protective and attacking factors in gastrointestinal mucosa, which can seriously harm human health. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a large family closely involved in lipid metabolism and is found in almost all human cells. A growing number of studies have revealed that its metabolites are deeply implicated in various inflammatory pathways and also regulates the maintenance of numerous biological events such as dietary digestion, membrane remodeling, barrier action, and host immunity. In addition to their phospholipase activity, some members of the superfamily also have other catalytic activities. Based on the in-depth effects of phospholipase A2 on bioactive lipid metabolism and inflammatory cytokines, PLA2 and its metabolites are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis, development or prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, this review will focus on the physiological and pathogenic roles of several important PLA2 enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, and reveals the potential of PLA2 as a therapeutic target for gastrointestinal diseases. •PLA2 uses hydrolytic capacity and metabolites to maintain various physiological activities and link pathological processes.•sPLA2 and cPLA2 participate in lipid metabolism, immunity, gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases and tumor development.•iPLA2 helps maintain intestinal innate immunity, intestinal function and structural integrity, and REDOX homeostasis.•The roles of PLA2 in alimentary physiology and pathology provides us with new ideas for the treatment of alimentary diseases.