Altered HDL Phospholipid and Fatty Acid Profile in MASLD: A Possible Explanation for the Increased CVD Risk

TL;DR

This study shows that MASLD alters HDL lipoprotein composition, which may explain the higher risk of cardiovascular disease in these patients.

Contribution

The study identifies specific lipid changes in HDL from MASLD patients that could impair their protective role against cardiovascular disease.

Findings

MASLD patients have increased lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingolipids in HDL.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are reduced while saturated fatty acids are increased in MASLD patients.

Lipid changes in MASLD are more pronounced than in CAD patients, affecting HDL protective properties.

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been consistently linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). HDL lipoproteins may serve as a possible link in this association through their hepatic synthesis and atheroprotective properties. Serum samples were collected from 51 MASLD patients (diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound), 40 with coronary artery disease, and 50 healthy controls. HDL lipid profiles were investigated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Patients with MASLD exhibit an increased percentage of lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingolipid content, mainly due to increased ceramides, and a reduced percentage of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol compared to controls. The % content of total and individual polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic, docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic, and arachidonic acid was found to be reduced in patients with MASLD, while saturated fatty acid content was increased compared to the control group. These alterations in fatty acid composition were observed also in CAD patients compared to controls but were more pronounced in CAD patients. Compared to CAD patients, those with MASLD showed an increased content of sphingolipids, ceramides, and glycerolipids and a reduced content of phosphatidylinositol. Changes observed in the lipid composition of HDL lipoproteins in MASLD patients may impair the protective properties of HDL particles, contributing to increased CVD risk.

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