SELE and endothelial dysfunction: Indirect-only mediation was also found for age (%CHIR = -1.11; 95% CI: [-2.58, -0.27]), non-smoking (%CHIR = -1.55; 95% CI: [-4.09, -0.13]), and higher healthy eating index score (%CHIR = -7.87; 95% CI: [-17.48, -2.43]).<h4>Conclusion</h4>E-selectin, but not CRP, mediates relationships between metabolic risk factors and IR, highlighting endothelial dysfunction as a key pathway.