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High levels of remnant cholesterol were associated with increased risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
High baseline levels of remnant cholesterol (RC) were found to be independently associated with the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), irrespective of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, indicating the ability of RC to serve as a predictive marker for identifying individuals at higher risk of MASLD. These conclusions were garnered by investigators and based on results of a longitudinal cohort study published in Scientific Reports.1
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RC has emerged as a novel biomarker distinct from conventional blood-lipid indicators to indicate risk of certain cardiovascular conditions. Research has indicated its usefulness in a series of contexts, most prominently in connecting high levels of RC to the development of chronic kidney disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, and major adverse cardiovascular events. With these insights in tow, it is unsurprising that the current investigators sought to evaluate the role of RC in the realm of MASLD.1-3
MASLD and its complications present a major public health burden, with investigators expecting future escalations of the crisis. Dyslipidemia is a major feature in the presentation of MASLD, and the well-established connection between MASLD and cardiovascular complications presents an intriguing research avenue, especially when considering the relationship between RC levels and the development of MASLD.1,4
The current investigation sought to address limitations present in the current understanding of MASLD and cardiovascular disease by examining the association between MASLD onset and RC variability. Utilizing a cohort of health check-up patients from a longitudinal study conducted from 2014 to 2023, the authors conducted a joint analysis of RC and LDL-C levels within the population to elucidate the independence of RC-associated risk from LDL-C levels.1
In total, 43,065 participants were included in the trial. Over a mean follow-up period of about 3.19 years, 8374 patients (19.4%) were recorded as experiencing incident MASLD. According to a Kaplan-Meier plot, as RC levels increased, the cumulative survival rate of MASLD decreased. This association was observed across both varying body mass indexes and age subgroups, according to the investigators.1
Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between RC and MASLD in the male subgroup, whereas no significant correlations were found in the female subgroup (male: HR, 1.413; 95% CI, 1.293-1.544; P < .001; female: HR, 1.116; 95% CI, 0.997-1.250; P = .057). A visit-to-visit variability analysis was conducted on 43,065 participants, which revealed significant associations between this variability in RC levels and an increased risk of MASLD in the fully adjusted model. Notably, for every 1-standard deviation increase in RC, the risk of developing MASLD heightened by 5%.1
The investigators also aimed to determine the independent association of remnant cholesterol with MASLD risk beyond accounting for LDL-C. According to their calculations, an RC level of 0.8 mmol/L identified an individual at heightened risk of MASLD, irrespective of their LDL-C levels. Confirming their observations, higher baseline RC concentrations were associated with increased MASLD risk, regardless of whether the patient had low or high LDL-C.1
In this trial, the variability of RC levels throughout follow-up was considered, an aspect that has been previously identified as a robust predictor of cardiovascular disease outcomes. Results confirmed that RC variability is a major risk factor for incident MASLD, with indications that a more stable RC level is more critical than fluctuating RC. It remains critical for pharmacists to consistently monitor patients and their cholesterol levels to determine their risk of developing MASLD.1,5
Clinical implications from this data are immense. The longitudinal relationship between RC variability and MASLD in the general population identified by the authors could offer treatment providers new insights into the drivers of underlying MASLD. Most importantly, providers can have confidence that RC levels are a solid estimate of MASLD risk and should in turn recommend interventions to reduce these levels, such as statin prescribing.1
“As a noninvasive and cost-effective blood lipid marker, RC has significant potential for widespread application, offering a new approach for the prevention and management of MASLD,” the study authors wrote in their conclusion. “This finding complements traditional lipid markers, providing new insights and a new direction for MASLD control strategies.”1
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