Genetic and metabolic characterization of individual differences in liver fat accumulation in Atlantic salmon

The results indicated a connection between liver fat and increased cholesterol synthesis in Atlantic salmon, with potentially harmful free cholesterol accumulation. Further, the gene expression results linked liver fat accumulation to reduced peroxisomal β-oxidation, increased conversion of carbohydrates to lipids, altered phospholipid synthesis, and possibly increased <i>de novo</i> lipogenesis. It is undetermined whether these outcomes are due to high fat levels or if they are caused by underlying metabolic differences that result in higher liver fat levels in certain individuals. Nonetheless, the results provide new insights into the metabolic profile of livers in fish with inherent differences in liver fat content.