Plasma linoleic acid is related to lower hepatic steatosis index and higher linoleate-rich cardiolipin in adults with MAFLD

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Ali Kalhori, Rachel M. Cole, Stephan Zarich, Na Li, Arunark Kolipaka, Ai Ni, Genevieve C. Sparagna, Martha Ann Belury
DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00344.2025
Cited by: 0
References: 51

Abstract

Remodeling of cardiolipin (CL) is altered in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), with reduced linoleic acid (LA). Whether specific CL species, such as LA 4 CL in PBMCs, or circulating LA levels relate to liver stiffness or hepatic fat is unknown. This study identifies both global- and sex-specific associations between plasma LA, PBMC-derived LA 4 CL, hepatic fat, liver stiffness, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults with MAFLD.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Fatty Acid Research and Health Lipid metabolism and biosynthesis

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
Volume
330
Issue
4
Pages
G478–G486
Publication date
11 March 2026
Language
EN