The role of the LPC/ATX/LPA axis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Autotaxin (ATX) possesses lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD) activity and catalyzes the conversion of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) into lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). The LPC/ATX/LPA axis plays a pivotal role in lipid metabolism and lipid-mediated signaling. Extensive studies have demonstrated that activation of this axis contributes substantially to the initiation and progression of impaired glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, tissue fibrosis, inflammation, and hepatic steatosis. The LPC/ATX/LPA axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for glucolipid metabolic disorders. The review summarizes the biological functions of LPC, ATX, and LPA, and the potential mechanisms through which the LPC/ATX/LPA axis contributes to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.