Dissertation: High aerobic fitness is associated with HDL particle structure and lipid composition

MSc Emilia Lähteenmäki’s doctoral dissertation examines how high aerobic fitness is associated with HDL particle composition, and how these features may influence energy metabolism in skeletal muscle cells and macrophages.

Public defence 8.5.2026

Published

23.4.2026

What did you study?

In my dissertation, I investigated how aerobic fitness and body composition are associated with the structure of high‑density lipoprotein (HDL) particles and their protein and lipid composition. Using HDL2 and HDL3 subclasses, as well as reconstituted HDL particles, I further examined how HDL particle structure affects energy metabolism in skeletal muscle cells and explored HDL’s role in macrophages, the key cells of innate immunity, with a focus on their metabolic function and inflammatory responses.

What were your main findings?

The findings showed that high aerobic fitness and healthy body composition were associated with elevated concentration of large HDL2 particles and a more favorable apolipoprotein and cholesterol composition. In contrast, low aerobic fitness and high body fat percentage were linked to higher proportions of phospholipids and triacylglycerols, and increased amounts of inflammation‑related proteins in HDL. These findings suggest differences in cholesterol metabolism, metabolic status, and low‑grade inflammation.

Furthermore, the findings showed that both HDL subclasses increased fatty acid oxidation and glycolytic glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle cells, whereas reconstituted HDL particles elicited opposite effects, suggesting that metabolic responses depend on HDL structure and composition. In macrophages, HDL activated glucose metabolism and aerobic phenotype, which may attenuate the inflammatory response.

How can the results be applied? What new insights does the study provide?

The findings suggest that endurance exercise supports healthy body composition and metabolic status, which is reflected in favorable HDL particle composition and potentially enhanced HDL functionality. The study also highlights HDL’s ability to modulate glucose and fatty acid utilization in skeletal muscle cells and macrophages, and to promote aerobic metabolism, which may benefit tissue health. Together, the results provide new insight into the functional role of HDL particles from both metabolic and immunological perspectives.

Public defence on Friday 8.5.3036 at 12:00 at the University of Jyväskylä, Liikunta building, L304
Link to the study: High-density lipoprotein as a modulator of cellular energy metabolism : association with aerobic fitness and metabolic phenotypes :: JYX
The event can be followed online: https://r.jyu.fi/dissertation-lahteenmaki-080526

More information:

emilia.i.lahteenmaki@jyu.fi, 0400 579674

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