Synergistic and divergent effects of dietary sugars on hepatocyte viability and steatosis

Our study explores the effects of glucose, fructose, and sucrose on hepatocyte health, focusing on cell viability and lipid accumulation. Hepatocyte cells (HepG2) were exposed to a range of concentrations of glucose, fructose and sucrose, both individually and in combination, over 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell viability was monitored using the MTT assay, while lipid accumulation was estimated fluorometrically using Nile red staining. Our findings suggest that higher concentrations of fructose significantly improves cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, especially in hepatocyte cells exposed to fructose for extended duration. Additionally, a time-dependent increase in lipid accumulation was seen, particularly in cells exposed to fructose. Interestingly, enhanced hepatocyte viability was noted with combinations of glucose with fructose or sucrose, without detrimental effects. Lipid accumulation was more pronounced with glucose-fructose combinations. These results provide insights into the differential effects of dietary sugars on liver health and metabolism, with implications for understanding metabolic disorders like MASLD and MASH.