Effects of Mytilus edulis derived plasmalogens against atherosclerosis via lipid metabolism and MAPK signaling pathway

Mytilus edulis-derived plasmalogens (Pls) are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are reportedly effective in ameliorating cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to clarify the underlying mechanisms of Pls against atherosclerosis (AS) in ApoE−/− mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD), through a comprehensive analysis of hepatic metabolomics and aortic transcriptomics data. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in pathological indicators associated with AS following Pls treatment. Furthermore, the abundance of hepatic lipid metabolites, which have either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory effects, was significantly altered among experimental groups. Combined with transcriptomics data, it is suggested that these metabolic changes may inhibit MAPK signaling pathway, subsequently suppressing downstream vascular inflammatory responses and activity of NLRP3 inflammasome in Pls-treated mice. Collectively, this study supports the benefits of Pls as effective dietary bioactive phospholipids in preventing HFD-induced AS and related metabolic disorders, possibly through modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway.