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The association between ceramide levels and hepatic steatosis severity in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty
Rui Yang1, Jinjiang Xu2, Furong Zhao3
1School of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Section 3, No. 40 Songpo Road, Linghe District, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, China.
Background And Aims:
Ceramides (Cers) have been linked to various metabolic disorders, but the relationship between ceramide levels and hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unclear. This study investigates the association between ceramide levels and hepatic steatosis, including its severity, in MAFLD patients.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 344 participants, including 249 MAFLD patients and 95 healthy controls. Five ceramides were measured using LC-MS/MS. Binary logistic regression was applied to compare ceramide levels in patients with and without hepatic steatosis, while ordinal logistic regression assessed the relationship between ceramide levels and the severity of hepatic steatosis. Heatmap analysis visualized the associations between clinical indicators and ceramide levels.
Results:
Ceramide levels were significantly higher in MAFLD patients with hepatic steatosis compared to those without. Ceramide 20:0 in the third quartile was positively associated with hepatic steatosis risk (OR = 5.08, 95% CI = 1.53-16.80). Additionally, ceramide 18:0 in the fourth quartile showed a positive correlation with the severity of hepatic steatosis (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.12-7.26). Heatmap analysis revealed positive correlations between hepatic fat attenuation index, ceramides, and clinical parameters, except for HDLC, which showed a negative correlation.
Conclusions:
Elevated ceramide levels are a significant risk factor for hepatic steatosis and its severity in MAFLD patients. Monitoring ceramide levels may provide valuable insights for preventing liver disease progression and related complications.
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