Yuwei Wang · 2026 · Nutrition & metabolism · BioMed Central · added 2026-04-24
Emerging evidence links the plasma lipidome to venous thromboembolism, but its causal relationship with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) remains unexplored. This study aimed to systematically screen for p Show more
Emerging evidence links the plasma lipidome to venous thromboembolism, but its causal relationship with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) remains unexplored. This study aimed to systematically screen for potential causal associations between 179 plasma lipid species and PVT risk, aiming to identify candidate biomarkers and explore underlying biological pathways. Using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal relationships between 179 plasma lipid species and PVT. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was the primary method, heterogeneity and pleiotropy were applied to evaluate potential pleiotropy and heterogeneity, and leave-one-out analysis verified result reliability. For lipid species showing nominally significant associations with PVT, lead SNPs were mapped to candidate genes to explore potential biological mechanisms. IVW analysis identified nominally significant associations ( Our study suggests potential links between specific plasma lipid species and PVT, although these associations did not survive rigorous multiple testing correction. It provides preliminary evidence that certain lipid species, notably phosphatidylcholine and sterol esters, may be implicated in PVT risk. The mapping of these lipids to candidate genes involved in lipid metabolism (FADS1, FADS2, APOE, APOA5, LIPC) offers mechanistic hypotheses for future research. Further studies are required to validate these preliminary associations and assess their translational potential. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-026-01084-6. Show less
Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe hypertriglyceridemia and caused by mutations in genes involved in chylomicron metabolism. Dietary Show more
Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe hypertriglyceridemia and caused by mutations in genes involved in chylomicron metabolism. Dietary management includes a very-low-fat diet, restriction of simple carbohydrates and alcohol, supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides, essential fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins; however, long-term adherence is often poor and nutritional therapy alone is insufficient. We report two adult Chilean sisters with FCS caused by the homozygous Q97X mutation in the APOA5 gene. Both patients experienced severe hypertriglyceridemia (>5,000 mg/dL) and recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. One sister was treated with volanesorsen, an antisense oligonucleotide, receiving a weekly dose of 285 mg, which was repeated every 3 weeks due to thrombocytopenia. When combined with structured nutritional counseling, pharmacological treatment achieved a marked reduction in plasma triglycerides to <250 mg/dL and a substantial improvement in quality of life. The other sister was managed with conventional therapy due to a lack of health insurance coverage for volanesorsen. She presented persistent hypertriglyceridemia and recurrent hospitalizations, underscoring the challenges of access to advanced therapies in limited-resource settings. While volanesorsen offers a promising therapeutic alternative, equitable access remains a critical issue, particularly in health systems of low-to middle-income regions. Show less
Controversies exist regarding the effects of calcium supplementation on lipid metabolism, and the time-specific effects and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the diffe Show more
Controversies exist regarding the effects of calcium supplementation on lipid metabolism, and the time-specific effects and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the differential impacts of calcium intervention at different times (morning/evening) on hepatic lipid metabolism and the molecular mechanisms involved. Forty female CD-1 (ICR) mice were randomly divided into four groups: Morning Control Group (MCN), Morning Calcium Intervention Group (MCI, intragastric administration of calcium carbonate at 08:00), Evening Control Group (ECN), and Evening Calcium Intervention Group (ECI, intragastric administration of calcium carbonate at 20:00). Mice were fed a normal calcium or low-calcium diet for 10 wk. Morning calcium intervention (MCI) in mice significantly increased serum and hepatic total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and induced lipid droplet deposition and swelling in hepatocytes. Transcriptome and validation experiments showed upregulated hepatic PER1 expression in the MCI group, while PPARα and its downstream lipid metabolism genes (CPT1A, APOA5) were downregulated. In HepG2 cells, nighttime calcium incubation (NC) significantly increased intracellular TG and LDL contents, upregulated PER1 expression, and inhibited PPARα, CPT1A, and APOA5 expressions. Knocking down PER1 reversed the abnormal gene expression and lipid-elevating effects in the NC group. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the circadian timing of calcium intake critically regulates hepatic lipid homeostasis Show less
Hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis in pregnancy (HTG-IPP) is a rare but serious condition. There is a paucity of evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for screening and management of H Show more
Hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis in pregnancy (HTG-IPP) is a rare but serious condition. There is a paucity of evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for screening and management of HTG-IPP. Individual genomics can predispose certain populations to a higher risk of developing HTG-IPP. To report on a case series of the management of four individual pregnancies complicated by HTG-IPP, subsequently found to be associated with pathogenic genetic variants involved in triglyceride (TG) metabolism. The medical records of four individual pregnancies from two metropolitan hospitals in Australia were reviewed regarding the management of their HTG-IPP and genetic testing for hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG). A literature review of previous cases of HTG-IPP with an identified pathogenic variant was performed. The identified genetic variants resulting in a diagnosis of HTG and HTG-IPP were within glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored high density lipoprotein binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and apolipoprotein A5 (APOA-5). All patients had co-morbid gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and were of South Asian or Asian ethnicity. All four patients were effectively managed with fasting, intravenous insulin, omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) and very low-fat diet (VLFD) with supplementation with medium-chain TG (MCT) oil. Further genomics research is needed to increase our understanding for its use in predicting risk of severe gestational HTG. With additional case identification, particular variants of pathogenic interest can be identified and screened for antenatally in patients with a moderate fasting HTG of more than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) in the absence of other causative factors. Pre-conception optimisation of TGs and regular monitoring in pregnancy can reduce the incidence and disease burden associated with HTG-IPP and HTG. Show less
Wilson disease (WD) and familial hypertriglyceridemia (FHTG) are both genetic metabolic diseases, and their comorbidity is extremely rare. This article reports a case of WD with FHTG in a 12-year-old Show more
Wilson disease (WD) and familial hypertriglyceridemia (FHTG) are both genetic metabolic diseases, and their comorbidity is extremely rare. This article reports a case of WD with FHTG in a 12-year-old Chinese boy. The patient was diagnosed due to elevated transaminase levels, combined with clinical manifestations, copper metabolism indexes, lipid profile analysis, and genetic testing results (pathogenic mutations of Show less
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased risk of early onset atherosclerosis Show more
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased risk of early onset atherosclerosis. Evinacumab, an angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3)-inhibiting monoclonal antibody, lowers LDL-C independently of LDL receptor activity. However, its effects on other lipid-related markers remain poorly investigated in real-world clinical practice. We herein report a 54-year-old Japanese woman with genetically confirmed compound heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) treated with evinacumab in combination with other lipid-lowering agents. Lipoprotein apheresis was continued every two weeks throughout the treatment. Serum sampling before and after evinacumab administration found that, following evinacumab initiation, LDL-C decreased from 324 to 205 mg/dL (reduction of 119 mg/dL, -36.7%) and triglycerides from 155 to 51 mg/dL (reduction of 103 mg/dL, -66.8%). Notably, atherosclerosis-related markers showed substantial reductions, with remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C) decreasing from 10.5 to <2.0 mg/dL, small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C) from 80.2 to 22.1 mg/dL, and malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL) from 105 to 87 mg/dL. Apolipoproteins (ApoB, ApoC2, ApoC3, ApoE, and ApoA5) decreased as well. No significant changes were observed in lipoprotein (a), free fatty acids, interleukin-6, or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. This is the first clinical report to comprehensively evaluate the lipid-modifying effects of evinacumab in a Japanese HoFH patient. In this case, evinacumab was highly efficacious against atherosclerosis-related markers and apolipoproteins, beyond simple LDL-C reduction, suggesting additional cardiovascular benefits. These findings provide mechanistic insights that may inform therapeutic strategies for the management of HoFH. Show less
Dyslipidemia is a heterogeneous group of disorders that typically presents asymptomatically during childhood but increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease later in life. Understandi Show more
Dyslipidemia is a heterogeneous group of disorders that typically presents asymptomatically during childhood but increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease later in life. Understanding the genetic basis can provide valuable insights for early diagnosis and may support more tailored therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to investigate the genetic etiology of childhood-onset dyslipidemia and explore genotype-phenotype correlations. We retrospectively analyzed genetic data from 133 pediatric patients evaluated for suspected dyslipidemia between 2018 and 2023. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed using a panel covering 20 genes associated with lipid metabolism. Only pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were included in the analysis. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 17% of patients (n = 23). The most frequently affected gene was LDLR (74%), followed by significant variants in APOB, APOA5, LDLRAP1, and ALMS1. Three novel pathogenic variants were identified in this cohort: a splice-site variant in LDLRAP1 (c.231+2T>C) and two truncating variants in APOB (p.Tyr992Ter and p.Lys576Ter). Genotype-phenotype analysis revealed distinct impacts of variant types on lipid profiles. Notably, APOB variants were associated with both hypercholesterolemia and hypocholesterolemia. Our findings highlight the substantial contribution of genetic factors to childhood dyslipidemia and underscore the clinical utility of genetic testing in guiding diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Show less
Ye Yang, Anne P Beigneux, Troy L Lowe+21 more · 2026 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · National Academy of Sciences · added 2026-04-24
Apolipoprotein AV (APOA5) regulates intravascular triglyceride metabolism by binding to the angiopoietin-like protein 3/8 complex (ANGPTL3/8) and suppressing its ability to unfold the native conformat Show more
Apolipoprotein AV (APOA5) regulates intravascular triglyceride metabolism by binding to the angiopoietin-like protein 3/8 complex (ANGPTL3/8) and suppressing its ability to unfold the native conformation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL). LPL unfolding results in loss of catalytic activity and the detachment of LPL from the surface of cells. An Show less
Environmental exposure to toxic and essential metals can disrupt host immune function through mechanisms involving epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulation. Although numerous s Show more
Environmental exposure to toxic and essential metals can disrupt host immune function through mechanisms involving epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulation. Although numerous studies have investigated these regulatory layers separately, integrative analyses across molecular levels in relation to metallome is missing. In this study, we performed a targeted multi-omics analysis of six immune-associated genes (NFKB1, CDKN2A, IGF2, H19, ESR1, and APOA5) and corresponding proteins in healthy residents from a long-term mining region (MRR, n = 46) and a non-mining region (NMR, n = 48). Transcriptome data were generated by mRNA sequencing, while DNA methylation data were obtained using targeted bisulfite sequencing by analyzing previously identified differentially methylated positions. Plasma protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and plasma metal concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We observed significantly higher plasma levels of NFKB1 and CDKN2A proteins, along with lower ESR1 transcript levels, in residents of the mining region compared to the non-mining region. NFKB1 protein levels were associated with both promoter methylation and residence in mining region, suggesting a regulatory cascade from DNA methylation to protein expression. IGF2 protein levels were higher in males and showed positive associations with age and the cumulative Z-score of essential metal mixture burden. Our results show that long-term residence in mining regions is associated with changes in NFKB1 at both the DNA methylation and protein levels, which may serve as a sensitive biomarker of metal exposure. Show less
Ren Zhang · 2026 · Trends in molecular medicine · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
The angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL)3/8 complex regulates triglyceride partitioning, and its selective blockade lowers triglycerides while raising HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). Clinical and genetic evide Show more
The angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL)3/8 complex regulates triglyceride partitioning, and its selective blockade lowers triglycerides while raising HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). Clinical and genetic evidence support ANGPTL3/8 antagonism as a precision therapy for mixed dyslipidemia, monogenic hypertriglyceridemia (CREBH or APOA5 deficiency), and diabetic dyslipidemia by correcting a fundamental disturbance in lipid partitioning. Show less
Exosomes are crucial mediators of intercellular communication. As a key component of milk, milk-derived exosomes are abundant in genetic cargo, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), indicating their potent Show more
Exosomes are crucial mediators of intercellular communication. As a key component of milk, milk-derived exosomes are abundant in genetic cargo, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), indicating their potential role in regulating mammary gland physiology. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the specificity of miRNAs in milk-derived exosomes and their regulatory roles in lipid synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). Based on 17,838 DHI records showing a significantly higher milk fat percentage (MFP) in late lactation (4.24% ± 1.07%), 10 high- (5.96% ± 0.26%, HMF) and 10 low-MFP (1.68% ± 0.23%, LMF) cows were selected during this stage for milk-derived exosome isolation and miRNA profiling. Exosomes isolated via differential ultracentrifugation were verified as 50-150 nm vesicles expressing CD9, CD81, and TSG101. miRNA sequencing identified 1,320 differentially expressed miRNAs (496 upregulated and 824 downregulated) between the HMF_EXO and LMF_EXO groups. Uptake assays confirmed that BMECs internalized these exosomes, and qRT-PCR validation showed that miR-423-5p and miR-125b were significantly upregulated and downregulated in HMF_EXO- and LMF_EXO-treated BMECs, respectively. Functionally, exosomal miR-423-5p promoted intracellular lipid accumulation and TG synthesis in BMECs by targeting APOA5, whereas miR-125b inhibited lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation by repressing SLC27A1. This study demonstrates that milk-derived exosomal miRNAs represent a novel mechanism for regulating milk fat synthesis. Specifically, miR-423-5p and miR-125b directly modulated lipid metabolism in BMECs via the miR-423-5p/APOA5 and miR-125b/SLC27A1 pathways. These findings provide new insights into the molecular regulation of milk fat synthesis and highlight the importance of exosome-mediated intercellular communication in the lactating mammary gland. Show less
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (fasting triglycerides >500 mg/dL) is an uncommon and heterogeneous condition in children. The aim of this work was to assess the etiology of severe hypertriglyceridemia se Show more
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (fasting triglycerides >500 mg/dL) is an uncommon and heterogeneous condition in children. The aim of this work was to assess the etiology of severe hypertriglyceridemia seen in 8 pediatric patients. Eight pediatric cases with severe hypertriglyceridemia underwent clinical, biochemical, and genetic evaluations. The laboratory tests performed included lipoprotein separation by ultracentrifugation and measurement of their lipid content, measurement of apolipoproteins, analyses of post-heparin plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and mass, detection of autoantibodies against GPIHBP1, and targeted next-generation sequencing. All children (3-16 years) had recorded fasting serum triglyceride levels >800 mg/dL (9 mmol/L) at least once. Five cases with pathogenic or likely pathogenic biallelic variants in GPIHBP1 (2 cases), APOA5 (1 case), APOC2 (1 case), and LPL (1 case) were diagnosed with familial chylomicronemia syndrome based on their clinical, biochemical, and genetic features. Additionally, 1 child had autoimmune chylomicronemia due to the presence of autoantibodies against GPIHBP1. Finally, 2 patients had severe hypertriglyceridemia due to secondary causes: 1 girl with the onset of type 1 diabetes in the context of diabetic ketoacidosis, and the other patient due to total parenteral nutrition and low-molecular-weight heparin. The etiology of severe hypertriglyceridemia in children is heterogeneous. A multidisciplinary approach helps to reach a definitive diagnosis and, therefore, to recommend specific therapy. Show less
We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with severe hypertriglyceridemia due to a homozygous APOA5 c.553G>T (p.Gly185Cys) mutation. She presented with markedly elevated triglyceride levels (TG, 1,04 Show more
We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with severe hypertriglyceridemia due to a homozygous APOA5 c.553G>T (p.Gly185Cys) mutation. She presented with markedly elevated triglyceride levels (TG, 1,047 mg/dL) that were unresponsive to lifestyle modifications. Lipoprotein fractionation revealed increased chylomicrons (CMs, 21%) and very-low-density lipoprotein (35%), consistent with type V hyperlipoproteinemia. Secondary causes, such as diabetes, alcohol intake, and hypothyroidism, were excluded. The post-heparinization lipoprotein lipase (PH-LPL) level was reduced (104 ng/mL), indicating impaired lipolysis. Genetic testing revealed no pathogenic variants in LPL or other major genes related to triglyceride metabolism. A homozygous APOA5 c.553G>T variant was identified. Pemafibrate (0.2 mg/day), a selective PPARα modulator (SPPARMα), was initiated. After 2 months, the blood lipid levels had markedly improved, with the complete disappearance of CMs, and the PH-LPL level had normalized to 173 ng/mL. This case highlights the potential pathogenic role of APOA5 mutations in LPL-related hypertriglyceridemia. Furthermore, it demonstrates the multifaceted therapeutic effects of pemafibrate, suggesting a potential role for SPPARMα therapy in the management of hereditary hypertriglyceridemia. Homozygous APOA5 mutations can cause reduced LPL protein levels, leading to severe hypertriglyceridemia with elevated CMs and VLDL. Pemafibrate may improve both LPL levels and lipid profiles, even in cases with reduced LPL protein and chylomicronemia. ApoA5-related chylomicronemia can resemble familial chylomicronemia syndrome but may respond to therapies such as pemafibrate, highlighting the importance of accurate genetic diagnosis. Show less
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified nearly 100 loci associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), but the molecular functions of these variant al Show more
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified nearly 100 loci associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), but the molecular functions of these variant alleles remain elusive, particularly when they occur in non-coding regions. Here we profiled the chromatin accessibility landscape of liver nuclei from MASLD individuals, and demonstrated these accessible genomic sites were bound by cell type-specific transcription factors (TFs) and enriched for MASLD risk variants, highlighting lineage- and disease state-specific regulation. Using a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA), we identified hundreds of differential activity variants (DAVs) that operate in a cell type-specific manner or in a stimulus-dependent context by disrupting liver pathogenesis-associated transcriptional regulatory network. Integrative analyses combining liver eQTLs, chromatin looping, and single-cell CRISPRi screening linked these DAVs to functional target genes. Notably, we demonstrated that DAVs located near Show less
Insulin resistance (IR) is a key mechanism underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus and is closely associated with obesity. Although numerous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified variant Show more
Insulin resistance (IR) is a key mechanism underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus and is closely associated with obesity. Although numerous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified variants that influence IR-related traits, it remains unclear whether the genetic architecture of IR differs according to obesity status. We conducted a stratified GWAS of the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in 8906 Korean individuals from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Participants were categorized into a normal-weight group (Body Mass Index (BMI) ≤ 23 kg/m Show less
Apolipoprotein A (ApoA) proteins, ApoA-I, ApoA-II, ApoA-IV, and ApoA-V, play critical roles in lipid metabolism, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier integrity, making them pivotal in neurologic Show more
Apolipoprotein A (ApoA) proteins, ApoA-I, ApoA-II, ApoA-IV, and ApoA-V, play critical roles in lipid metabolism, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier integrity, making them pivotal in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke, Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). This review synthesizes current evidence on their structural and functional contributions to neuroprotection, highlighting their dual roles as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. ApoA-I, the most extensively studied, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and amyloid-clearing properties, with reduced levels associated with AD progression and cognitive decline. ApoA-II modulates HDL metabolism and stroke risk, while ApoA-IV influences neuroinflammation and amyloid processing. ApoA-V, although less explored, is implicated in stroke susceptibility through its regulation of triglycerides. Genetic polymorphisms (e.g., Show less
Familial hypertriglyceridemia (FHTG) is a rare inherited lipid disorder that may present with severe phenotypes when caused by compound heterozygous or biallelic APOA5 variants. We report a male child Show more
Familial hypertriglyceridemia (FHTG) is a rare inherited lipid disorder that may present with severe phenotypes when caused by compound heterozygous or biallelic APOA5 variants. We report a male child diagnosed at 2.5 years of age with severe hypertriglyceridemia, who exhibited serum triglyceride levels persistently above 10 mmol/L (≈ 885 mg/dl) despite adherence to a low-fat diet and pharmacotherapy including fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and statins. Representative triglycerides at presentation were 11.6 mmol/L (≈ 1029 mg/dl). During follow up, the patient experienced an acute abdominal pain episode with triglycerides nearing 20 mmol/L (≈ 1770 mg/dL), managed conservatively under suspicion of pancreatitisOral glucose tolerance testing showed a high-normal insulin response (peak 84.5 mIU/L, below the insulin-resistance threshold of 100-150 mIU/L), which prompted addition of metformin. Over a decade, despite normal growth and clinical well-being, biochemical control remained suboptimal. This case illustrates the clinical utility of early genetic testing in pediatric dyslipidemias and highlights limitations of traditional treatments in monogenic severe FHTG. Emerging therapies, including antisense oligonucleotides and ANGPTL3 inhibitors, may hold future promise. Show less
Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. This study aimed to analyze the genotype distribution of FCS-causing genes in the United Kingdom. Data were anonymously Show more
Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. This study aimed to analyze the genotype distribution of FCS-causing genes in the United Kingdom. Data were anonymously collated from 2 genetic testing laboratories providing national genetic diagnosis services for severe hypertriglyceridemia in the United Kingdom. As of December 2023, 880 individuals underwent genetic testing for FCS. The mean (SD) age at the time of genetic testing was 42.5 (15.3) years. After genotyping, 12.9% of the individuals ( The genetic architecture of FCS in the United Kingdom is complex, with a substantial proportion affected by non- Show less
Elucidating the genetic basis of lipid metabolism in children is essential for early intervention in dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. We performed a two-staged genome-wide association study ( Show more
Elucidating the genetic basis of lipid metabolism in children is essential for early intervention in dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. We performed a two-staged genome-wide association study (GWAS; N = 5412) and an independent exome-wide association study (ExWAS; N = 4750) on lipid parameters-HDL, LDL, Triglycerides (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC) in Indian school-going children - the largest single-cohort paediatric lipid study till date. GWAS identified robust associations at established loci, including CETP for HDL; CELSR2, and PSRC1 for LDL and TC, and GCKR, ZNF259, and TBL2 for TG. We also validated known associations at sub-GWAS significance in FADS2, GATAD2A, PRKCA, and QKI. Exome-based analyses further refined functional variants within these loci and revealed additional known loci in ALDH1A2 for HDL; APOE, APOC1, TM6SF2, CILP2, TOMM40, for LDL and TC; and APOA5, BUD13 for TG and novel loci in ATP8B3, MYH7B, GYS2, and RNF8 for TG. Conditional analysis revealed multiple independent signals at key loci. Gene-based GWAS pinpointed CETP and APOC1 as significant for HDL and LDL, respectively. Rare variant analysis identified significant contribution of loss-of-function missense variants in CETP, TM6SF2, and APOE, in regulating lipid profiles. Associations replicated with consistent directionality in European datasets and Indian adults, reinforcing conserved biology across ancestries and age groups. Functional enrichment analyses emphasized lipid-related pathways and differential expression in liver. These findings lay the foundation for ancestry-informed genetic risk prediction models to identify children at early risk for cardiovascular diseases. Show less
Apolipoprotein A-V (APOA5) is a critical regulator of circulating triglyceride (TG) levels. Its deletion leads to elevated plasma TG concentrations by altering the metabolism of VLDL particles in vivo Show more
Apolipoprotein A-V (APOA5) is a critical regulator of circulating triglyceride (TG) levels. Its deletion leads to elevated plasma TG concentrations by altering the metabolism of VLDL particles in vivo. One way APOA5 exerts its effects is through the modulation of LPL activity, specifically by disrupting inhibitory interactions between LPL and angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs). However, the impact of APOA5 on VLDL composition and its potential to alter VLDL metabolism in other ways remains poorly understood. To address this, we investigated the influence of APOA5 on the VLDL proteome, LPL activation, and hepatic remnant uptake. Using VLDL from Apoa5 KO and WT mice, we found no evidence that APOA5 directly enhances LPL activity in purified or plasma systems. However, VLDL from Apoa5 KO mice was cleared significantly more slowly by cultured hepatocytes. VLDL proteomics experiments from two independent laboratories identified altered contents of 23 proteins involved in lipoprotein metabolism, inflammation, and immune response in Apoa5 KO VLDL, including reductions in APOE and serum amyloid A1. Remarkably, reintroduction of recombinant mouse APOA5 to the KO plasma partially restored the WT VLDL proteome, including APOE, and normalized VLDL uptake by hepatocytes without altering LPL lipolysis. These findings reveal that APOA5 influences hepatic clearance of VLDL remnants by modulating particle composition, particularly APOE content. This study expands the functional scope of APOA5 in TG metabolism and underscores its role in VLDL remodeling and remnant clearance, offering new insights with implications for understanding hypertriglyceridemia and its roles in inflammation and immune response. Show less
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, leading to premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aim Show more
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, leading to premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to identify genetic variants associated with FH in patients from Telangana State, India. Probands with suspected FH were identified using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) score, followed by cascade screening of their first-degree relatives. Targeted exome sequencing and pedigree analysis were performed to identify FH-associated genetic variants. We identified both novel and known high-impact mutations in genes implicated in FH pathogenesis, including stop-gain mutations in LPL (6/30; 20%) and LDLR (4/30; 13.3%), as well as splice donor site mutations in SLCO1B1 (1/30; 3.3%) and CETP (3/30; 10%). Notably, a novel frameshift mutation in LDLR was identified in two siblings (2/30; 6.7%), one of whom (50%) exhibited a homozygous variant and met the "Definite FH" classification based on the DLCN criteria. Additionally, moderate-impact variants rs2075291 (APOA5) and rs193922571 (LDLR) showed strong correlations with the DLCN score, suggesting increased susceptibility to FH. In contrast, rs6756629 (ABCG5) and rs11887534 (ABCG8) were strongly negatively correlated with LDL-C levels and the DLCN score, indicating potential protective effects against FH. These findings highlight the genetic heterogeneity of FH and emphasize the importance of identifying novel pathogenic variants. Moreover, the study underscores the role of moderate-impact variants in FH susceptibility. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of the genetic landscape of FH in the Indian population, with implications for improved diagnosis, risk assessment, and personalized management. Show less
We aimed to compare the molecular and clinical characteristics of patients identified in Italy as affected by either familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) or multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome Show more
We aimed to compare the molecular and clinical characteristics of patients identified in Italy as affected by either familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) or multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome (MCS) and to assess the overall benefit of novel triglyceride-lowering therapies prescribed to these patients within the routine clinical care. From the national LIPIGEN-sHTG (Lipid Transport Disorders Italian Genetic Network-Severe Hypertriglyceridemia) registry, 169 patients (57 FCS, 51 MCS, 61 variant-negative, variant-negative MCS) were retrospectively analyzed. Data on clinical and genetic characteristics, medical history, and medications were collected. Peak triglyceride levels were used to define untreated lipid phenotypes. In FCS, 72% exhibited biallelic As compared with MCS, patients with FCS showed a more severe phenotype and higher prevalence of Show less
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a critical, modifiable risk factor. We sought to evaluate the relationship between polymorphisms in In this cro Show more
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a critical, modifiable risk factor. We sought to evaluate the relationship between polymorphisms in In this cross-sectional observational study, 304 participants aged 40-69 years were enrolled. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected, and genotyping was performed for the four target polymorphisms. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the sample, non-parametric tests to compare lipid levels by genotype, and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of dyslipidemia. Individuals with dyslipidemia exhibited significantly higher total cholesterol and VLDL levels, lower HDL levels, and an elevated Castelli II index compared with the non-dyslipidemia group. Although Our findings underscore the interplay between metabolic factors and genetic variants in the pathogenesis of dyslipidemia. Notably, the Show less
To investigate the association between polymorphisms of the A case-control study was conducted, enrolling 100 HTG patients and 100 age-matched controls with normal triglyceride levels from the physica Show more
To investigate the association between polymorphisms of the A case-control study was conducted, enrolling 100 HTG patients and 100 age-matched controls with normal triglyceride levels from the physical examination cohort at Guangzhou 11th People's Hospital (January-December 2023) The observation group showed significant differences in genotype frequencies of Show less
Apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) and Cell Death-Inducing DNA Fragmentation Factor-like Effector C (CIDEC) are involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and implicated in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic Show more
Apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) and Cell Death-Inducing DNA Fragmentation Factor-like Effector C (CIDEC) are involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and implicated in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study explores the role of the ApoA5-CIDEC interaction in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis in MASLD. C57BL/6 J mice were used to evaluate hepatic steatosis, liver function, and fibrosis under different ApoA5 expression conditions. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence confirmed ApoA5-CIDEC interaction on lipid droplets (LDs). HepG2 cells were used to assess the effects of ApoA5 and CIDEC on triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFAs), fatty acid beta-oxidation (FAO), and de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Key lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers, including fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), were analyzed. ApoA5-overexpression in mice improved hepatic steatosis, function, and fibrosis, reducing TG, FFAs, DNL, ApoB secretion, and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), while enhancing FAO in HepG2 cells. ApoA5-knockdown led to opposite effects. ApoA5 and CIDEC co-localized with LDs, interacting with FABP4 to jointly regulate lipid metabolism and inflammation. The effects of ApoA5 were mediated through reduced CIDEC expression. ApoA5 regulates hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis through its interaction with CIDEC. Targeting the ApoA5-CIDEC axis may provide a novel therapeutic approach for treating MASLD. KEY MESSAGES: ApoA5 reduces hepatic fibrosis and inflammatory cytokine secretion. ApoA5 interacts and co-localizes with CIDEC on lipid droplets. ApoA5-CIDEC interaction regulates lipid metabolism and inflammatory cytokine secretion in hepatocytes. ApoA5-CIDEC axis regulates FABP4 expression. Targeting the ApoA5-CIDEC axis offers therapeutic potential for MASLD. Show less
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used to treat schizophrenia (SCZ), but they often induce metabolic side effects like dyslipidemia and obesity. We conducted genome-wide association s Show more
Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are widely used to treat schizophrenia (SCZ), but they often induce metabolic side effects like dyslipidemia and obesity. We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to identify genetic variants associated with SGA-induced lipid and BMI changes in Chinese SCZ patients. A longitudinal cohort of Chinese SCZ receiving SGAs was followed for up to 18.7 years (mean = 5.7 years, SD = 3.3 years). We analysed the patients' genotypes (N = 669), lipid profiles, and BMI using 19 316 prescription records and 3 917 to 7 596 metabolic measurements per outcome. Linear mixed models were employed to evaluate seven SGAs' random effects on metabolic changes for each patient, followed by GWAS and gene set analyses with Bonferroni and FDR correction. Five SNPs achieved p-value < 5 × 10 Show less