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# High fructose corn syrup linked to NAFLD
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/high_fructose_corn_syrup_linked_to_nafld_0825130852/
- Published: 2013-08-25T09:51:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:01:46.000Z
- Description: Collison and colleagues report in Obesity that liver cells exposed to high fructose corn syrup-55 built up triglycerides, produced more reactive oxygen metabolites and showed disrupted insulin signaling, changes they link to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Food, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Sunday Aug 25, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- A study published in Obesity suggests that eating high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) now known as corn sugar can cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). HFCS is commonly used in processed foods and soft drinks.

The study led by K. S. Collison from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and colleagues shows that cells exposed to high fructose corn syrup-55 experienced a series of physiological reactions that indicate high fructose corn syrup contributes to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, characterized by increased intahepatic fat and mitochondial dysfunction, is associated with obesity and insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Dietary factors such as excessive intake of fructose are believed to contribute to all these diseases. 

High fructose corn syrup-55 (HFCS-55) accounts for 15% of the average total daily energy intake in the United States, and has been associated with weight gain and obesity, according to the authors. 

For the study, the researchers examined the effects of HFCS-55 on hepatocyte lipogenesis, insulin signaling, and some cellular functions, in vitro and in vivo. 

They found exposure of hepatocytes to HFCS-55 significantly increased hepatocellular triglyceride and lipogenic proteins and basal production of reactive oxygen metabolite while decreasing the cellular capacity to respond to an oxidative challenge. 

HFCS-55 exposure also triggered a downregulation of the insulin signaling pathway, activated an insulin resistance-related enzyme called c-Jun amino-terminal kinase, and increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and intracellular free calcium perturbation. 

Additionally, exposure to HFCS-55 resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and released cytochrome C (CytC) into the cytosol in hepatocytes. 

The researchers also observed a diet with 20% energy from high fructose corn syrup caused hepatic steatosis and mitochondrial disruption along with hypoadiponectinemia and elevated fasting serum insulin and retinol-binding protein-4 levels.

The researchers concluded "Our findings indicate a potential mechanism by which HFCS-55 may contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD." (jimmy downs)