Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
A Model of Experimental Steatosis In Vitro: Hepatocyte Cell Culture in Lipid Overload-Conditioned Medium
Published on: May 18, 2021
Association between trans-palmitoleic acid and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-related
Qirui Li1, Luqi Zhan1, Qian Li1
1State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Introduction:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health burden with an increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet early risk predictors remain elusive. This study investigated trans-palmitoleic acid (TPA) as a potential biomarker for MASLD-HCC risk.
Methods:
Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (n = 548), propensity score matching (PSM) minimized sociobehavioral confounders. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to assess the association between TPA and HCC risk.
Results:
A striking nonlinear association between TPA and HCC risk was observed (P-nonlinear <0.001). Each unit increase in TPA elevated HCC risk by 52.4% (OR = 1.524, 95% CI = 1.397-1.677), with quartile analysis showing exponential risk escalation (Q4 OR = 753.7). Subgroup analyses identified heightened susceptibility in women (Q4 OR = 1148.83) and younger individuals (OR = 612.11). TPA correlated positively with lipid factors (triglycerides β = 1.236, LDL β = 0.557) and hematologic indices, while exhibiting a negative association with BMI (β = -0.037). Mediation analysis implicated triglycerides as a key metabolic intermediary (39.18% effect proportion).
Discussion:
These findings establish TPA as an independent MASLD-HCC risk factor with distinct demographic variability, potentially mediated through lipid dysregulation. While limited by observational design, this study highlights TPA's prognostic value for HCC risk stratification, especially in non-diabetic populations (OR = 257.14). Future mechanistic studies should validate TPA's oncogenic pathways and explore therapeutic targeting of trans-fatty acid metabolism to mitigate MASLD progression. The robust dose-response relationship and metabolic mediation effects position TPA as a promising candidate for incorporation into existing HCC prediction models.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...