Dis-coordinated activation of de novo lipogenesis and stearoyl-CoA desaturase by monosaccharides determines liver fat accumulation in humans

Aims: Increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis of fatty acids has been implicated in the pathophysiology of fatty liver, potentially due to lipotoxic effects of the generated saturated fatty acids. Activation of fatty acid desaturation by stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) in parallel with lipogenesis may prevent lipotoxic effects and protect from hepatic steatosis. Methods: 20 healthy subjects (female/male 8/12, age 30.5±2.0 years, BMI 25.9±0.5kg/m2) received a 4-week hypercaloric diet supplemented with 150g/day of monosaccharides. Hepatic SCD1-activity and de novo lipogenesis (DNL) was determined using established ma…