Investigating the Effects of Fructose Consumption and Inadequate Copper Intake on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Inflammation, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and obesity are key clinical risk factors for the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Interactions between diet, liver, and immune system play an important role in this disease. Increased fructose consumption and inadequate copper intake are two critical factors that may contribute to metabolic syndrome and lead to the development of diseases such as NAFLD. For example, increased consumption of high fructose corn syrup has been associated with liver fibrosis severity in subjects with NAFLD.

Metabolomics is a viable method for identifying compounds associated with NAFLD. In this investigation, high-quality data facilitate the identification of key metabolites differentiating normal versus diseased species.