HMB and Liraglutide together protect muscle cells from damage caused by high sugar and fat levels

Combined treatment with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) and liraglutide significantly improved muscle cell health under lipotoxic conditions.

• High-glucose plus free fatty acid exposure led to increased lipid droplet accumulation and impaired insulin signaling in muscle cells.
• Liraglutide alone reduced lipid droplet size and partially improved insulin signaling but did not fully protect muscle integrity.
• HMB treatment preserved myotube area and had modest effects on lipid accumulation.
• The combination of HMB and liraglutide more effectively reduced lipid levels, restored insulin signaling, and improved glucose uptake.
• This combined treatment attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and reduced activation of atrophy-related proteins.
• Effects of the combined treatment were partially dependent on mTOR-associated signaling, as indicated by attenuation with rapamycin.

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