Effect of weight loss on ceramide-related gene expression in the liver. Graphs depict mean ± standard error of the mean of hepatic gene expression at baseline (Pre) and after 1 year of intervention (Post). Comparisons were made between lifestyle (n = 21) vs standard enrichment protocol controls (n = 10). (a) SPTLC1, (b) SPTLC2, (c) CER1, (d) CER2, (e) CER4, (f) SMPD-1, (g) SMPD-3, (h) UGCG. mRNA levels were normalized to 18S rRNA. CER, ceramide synthase; SMPD, sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase; SPTLC, serine palmitoyltransferase; UGCG, uridine diphosphate glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase.