Low testosterone and high fructose worsen fatty liver disease in mice

Scientists have found that low testosterone combined with a high-fructose diet can exacerbate fatty liver disease in mice, according to ScienceDaily Health.

The study focused on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which affects about 40% of adult men globally and involves excess fat buildup in the liver.

Researchers from the Graduate School of Agriculture tested male mice with lowered testosterone levels and different diets, including high fructose intake and antibiotic treatments.

Results showed that mice with reduced testosterone who consumed fructose developed heavier livers, but this effect was lessened in mice given antibiotics, suggesting gut bacteria play a role.

Individually, low testosterone or fructose caused modest liver changes, but combined they significantly increased liver triglyceride levels, indicating a harmful interaction.

The findings highlight gut bacteria as a potential target for preventing liver damage linked to low testosterone and high sugar consumption.