Gut microbiota mediates SREBP-1c-driven hepatic lipogenesis and steatosis in response to zero-fat high-sucrose diet.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Sucrose-rich diets promote hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and steatosis through interactions with the gut microbiota. However, the role of sugar-microbiota dynamics in the absence of dietary fat remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a high-sucrose, zero-fat diet (ZFD) on hepatic steatosis and host metabolism in conventionally raised (CONVR) and germ-free (GF) mice.

Methods

CONVR and GF mice were fed a ZFD, and hepatic lipid accumulation, gene expression, and metabolite levels were analyzed. DNL activity was assessed by measuring malonyl-CoA levels, expression of key DNL enzymes, and activation of the transcription factor SREBP-1c. Metabolomic analyses of portal vein plasma identified microbiota-derived metabolites linked to hepatic ste

SUBMITTER: Bergentall M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12145984 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature