Serum lysophospholipid levels are altered in dyslipidemic hamsters

Dyslipidemias are common disorders that predispose individuals to severe diseases. It is known that healthy living habits can prevent dyslipidemias if they are diagnosed properly. Therefore, biomarkers that assist in diagnosis are essential. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers of dyslipidemia progression, which in turn disclose its etiology. These findings will pave the way for examinations of the regulatory mechanisms involved in dyslipidemias. Hamsters were fed either a normal-fat diet (NFD) or a high-fat diet. Some of the NFD-fed animals were further treated with the hyperlipidemic agent Poloxamer 407. Non-targeted metabolomics was used to investigate progressive changes in unknown serum metabolites. The hepatic expression of putative biomarker-related genes was also analyzed. The serum levels of lysophospholipids (Lyso-PLs) and their related enzymes lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), secreted phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂) and paraoxonase-1 were altered in dyslipidemic hamsters. Lysophosphatidylcholine levels were increased in diet-induced dyslipidemic groups, whereas lysophosphatidylethanolamine levels increased in response to the chemical treatment. The liver was significantly involved in regulating the levels of these molecules, based on the modified expression of endothelial lipase (Lipg), sPLA₂ (Pla2g2a) and acyltransferases (Lcat and Lpcat3). We concluded that Lyso-PL evaluation could aid in the comprehensive diagnosis and management of lipid disorders.