Differential Effects of 2 to16 Carbon Saturated Fatty Acids on Autophagy and Cell Viability of HepG2 Cells (Research Article)

Author(s): J. Kamishikiryo* and A. Shima

Abstract: Dietary fat increases levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in plasma, which exacerbate metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Palmitic acid, a long-chain SFA (LCFA), inhibits autophagy and causes apoptosis of hepatocytes. However, the effects of other SFAs on hepatocytes remain unknown. In this study, we explored how SFAs whose chain lengths range from 2- to 16-carbon atoms affect autophagy and cell viability of hepatocytes in vitro. Our results showed that only 14- and 16-carbon LCFAs suppress autophagy and reduce cell viability; 2- to 12-carbon SFAs, which are found in foods and have garnered attention for their health benefits, did not affect autophagy and did not reduce cell viability. Thus, replacing LCFAs with short-chain fatty acids and medium-chain fatty acids in foods may reduce the incidence of NAFLD.

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