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Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Is Characterized by Enhanced Endogenous Cholesterol
Irena Frankovic1, Aleksandra Zeljkovic1, Ivana Djuricic2
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 14, 2025
Summary
Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is linked to increased cholesterol synthesis, as indicated by higher plasma lathosterol levels. This suggests a shift in cholesterol homeostasis in MASLD patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Cholesterol accumulation is a key factor in metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) pathogenesis.
- Cholesterol homeostasis alterations in MASLD require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in cholesterol synthesis and absorption in MASLD patients.
- To measure plasma cholesterol precursors and phytosterols as indicators of synthesis and absorption.
Main Methods:
- Included 124 MASLD patients and 43 healthy controls.
- Measured plasma levels of cholesterol precursors (lathosterol, desmosterol) and phytosterols.
- Performed correlation and multivariate regression analyses with non-invasive hepatic steatosis indices (FLI, HSI, TyG).
Main Results:
- MASLD patients exhibited significantly higher plasma lathosterol concentrations compared to controls.
- Plasma desmosterol and phytosterol levels were comparable between MASLD patients and controls.
- Cholesterol synthesis markers (lathosterol, desmosterol) positively correlated with hepatic steatosis indices (FLI, HSI, TyG).
Conclusions:
- MASLD is associated with enhanced endogenous cholesterol synthesis.
- Cholesterol synthesis markers are significant predictors of hepatic steatosis severity in MASLD.
Keywords:
MASLDcholesterol homeostasisdietary cholesterol absorptionendogenous cholesterol synthesishepatic steatosis indicesnon-cholesterol sterolsMore Related Videos
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