Fructose Consumption Affects Placental Production of H2S: Impact on Preeclampsia-Related Parameters.

H2S, a gasotransmitter that can be produced both via the transsulfuration pathway and non-enzymatically, plays a key role in vasodilation and angiogenesis during pregnancy. In fact, the involvement of H2S production on plasma levels of sFLT1, PGF, and other molecules related to preeclampsia has been demonstrated. Interestingly, we have found that maternal fructose intake (a common component of the Western diet) affects tissular H2S production. However, its consumption is allowed during pregnancy. Thus, (1) to study whether maternal fructose intake affects placental production of H2S in the offspring, when pregnant; and (2) to study if fructose consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of preeclampsia, pregnant rats from fructose-fed mothers (10% w/v) subjected (FF) or not (FC) to a fructose supplementation were studied and compared to pregnant control rats (CC). Placental gene expression, H2S production, plasma sFLT1, and PGF were determined. Descendants of fructose-fed mothers (FC) presented an increase in H2S production. However, if they consumed fructose during their own gestation (FF), this effect was reversed so that the increase disappeared. Curiously, placental synthesis of H2S was mainly non-enzymatic. Related to this, placental expression of Cys dioxygenase, an enzyme involved in Cys catabolism (a molecule required for non-enzymatic H2S synthesis), was significantly decreased in FC rats. Related to preeclampsia, gene expression of sFLT1 (a molecule with antiangiogenic properties) was augmented in both FF and FC dams, although these differences were not reflected in their plasma levels. Furthermore, placental expression of PGF (a molecule with angiogenic properties) was decreased in both FC and FF dams, becoming significantly diminished in plasma of FC versus control dams. Both fructose consumption and maternal fructose intake induce changes in molecules that contribute to increasing the risk of preeclampsia, and these effects are not always mediated by changes in H2S production.

Nutrigenómica y funcionamiento de las hormonas tiroideas, un efecto dependiente de la ingesta materna de fructosa / Nutrigenomics and thyroid hormone functioning, a dependent effect of maternal fructose intake

El consumo de fructosa se ha asociado con el desarrollo de síndrome metabólico. También se ha demostrado que la ingesta de fructosa durante la gestación puede provocar efectos perjudiciales en los descendientes (1). Además, otros autores han descrito cómo la nutrición puede afectar al funcionamiento de las hormonas tiroideas, las cuales están implicadas en diversas enfermedades metabólicas.Por ello, se determinaron el efecto del consumo materno de fructosa durante la gestación sobre el metabolismo de las hormonas tiroideas en sus descendientes, y los efectos de la suplementación de los descendientes con distintas dietas (fructosa, tagatosa, fructosa con colesterol).La tagatosa aumentó los niveles plasmáticos de T4 libre y la expresión hepática de DIO1 solamente en descendientes de madres fructosa. Sin embargo, la expresión hepática de UCP2 mostró un perfil más similar a la de THRa.En íleon y TAL los perfiles de expresión para DIO1 y UCP están correlacionados y se ven afectados por el consumo de fructosa (efecto dependiente de la ingesta materna). La adición de colesterol a la dieta potenció el efecto de la fructosa en íleon (para DIO1 y UCP2).Por tanto, el consumo materno de fructosa afecta al metabolismo de las hormonas tiroideas de la descendencia, tanto en respuesta a una dieta rica en fructosa como a la asociación de fructosa y colesterol (“Western diet”).Este trabajo pretende alertar a la población, en especial mujeres embarazadas del papel relevante que ejerce la nutrición, con posibles consecuencias negativas para la salud de sus hijos.(AU)

Fructose consumption has been associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. It has also been shown that fructose intake during pregnancy can cause detrimental effects on offspring (1). In addition, other authors have described how nutrition can affect the function of thyroid hormones, which are involved in various metabolic diseases.Therefore, we determined the effect of maternal fructose consumption during pregnancy on the metabolism of thyroid hormones in their offspring and the effects of the supplementation with different diets (fructose, tagatose, fructose with cholesterol) in the offspring.Tagatose increased plasma free T4 levels and hepatic DIO1 expression only in the offspring of fructose-fed mothers. However, the hepatic expression of UCP2 showed a profile more similar to that of THRa.In ileum and TAL, the expression profiles for DIO1 and UCP are correlated and affected by fructose consumption (effect dependent on maternal intake). The addition of cholesterol to the diet potentiated the effect of fructose in ileum (for DIO1 and UCP2).Thus, maternal fructose consumption affects the metabolism of thyroid hormones in the offspring, both in response to a fructose rich diet and a combination of fructose and cholesterol (“Western diet”).This work aims to alert the population, especially pregnant women, of the relevant role of nutrition, leading to possible negative consequences for the health of their children.(AU)

Maternal fructose boosts the effects of a Western-type diet increasing SARS-COV-2 cell entry factors in male offspring.

Fructose-rich beverages and foods consumption correlates with the epidemic rise in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. Severity of COVID-19 has been related to these metabolic diseases. Fructose-rich foods could place people at an increased risk for severe COVID-19. We investigated whether maternal fructose intake in offspring affects hepatic and ileal gene expression of proteins that permit SARS-CoV2 entry to the cell. Carbohydrates were supplied to pregnant rats in drinking water. Adult and young male descendants subjected to water, liquid fructose alone or as a part of a Western diet, were studied. Maternal fructose reduced hepatic SARS-CoV2 entry factors expression in older offspring. On the contrary, maternal fructose boosted the Western diet-induced increase in viral entry factors expression in ileum of young descendants. Maternal fructose intake produced a fetal programming that increases hepatic viral protection and, in contrast, exacerbates fructose plus cholesterol-induced diminution in SARS-CoV2 protection in small intestine of progeny.

La ingesta materna de fructosa modula el metabolismo del colesterol en respuesta a una dieta occidental en la descendencia / Maternal fructose intake modulates cholesterol metabolism in response to a western diet in the offspring

Fructose consumption has increased during the last decades, while a simultaneous rise in the incidence of pathologies such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome has also taken place. Although there is evidence that fructose can cause alterations in the offspring related to the development of the aforementioned diseases, exposure to fructose during pregnancy is not contraindicated for women. This effect is explained by the concept of foetal programming, which suggests that changes that occur during the embryogenic and foetal stages are permanent in the adult, due to maternal health, diet and other environmental factors.Therefore, the effect of fructose on cholesterol metabolism in the offspring of mothers fed with or without fructose during gestation was studied. In addition, the progeny also received different diets: fructose (with and without supplementation of cholesterol) or tagatose solutions.Tagatose increased non-HDL cholesterol in the offspring of water-fed mothers, whereas fructose consumption during gestation dampened this effect, indicating foetal programming. In addition, fructose and tagatose feeding increased atherogenic indices by decreasing HDL-cholesterol concentration and increasing triglycerides levels.On the other hand, the addition of cholesterol to fructose consumption caused an increase in total cholesterol and a change in its distribution: higher concentration of non-HDL cholesterol and lower concentration of HDL cholesterol, independently of maternal feeding. This also caused an increase in atherogenic indices.Ultimately, the results indicate that cholesterol metabolism is influenced by both maternal fructose consumption, and the subsequent intake of fructose (alone or in combination with cholesterol) and tagatose in the offspring. (AU)

El consumo de fructosa ha aumentado en las últimas décadas, en paralelo a la incidencia de síndrome metabólico y diabetes tipo 2. Múltiples evidencias sugieren que la ingesta materna de fructosa provoca alteraciones en la descendencia favoreciendo el desarrollo de síndrome metabólico. Sin embargo, la ingesta de fructosa durante el embarazo no está contraindicada. Este efecto se produce a través de la programación fetal, según la cual cambios como la dieta materna y ambientales durante las etapas embrionaria y fetal conducen a alteraciones en la etapa adulta de la descendencia. Con estos antecedentes, estudiamos el efecto de la ingesta materna de fructosa sobre el metabolismo del colesterol en la descendencia. Además, la progenie también se sometió a diferentes tratamientos dietéticos: fructosa, fructosa con colesterol y tagatosa.La tagatosa provocó un aumento del colesterol no HDL en la descendencia de madres control, mientras que el consumo materno de fructosa amortiguó este efecto, sugiriendo una programación fetal. Además, la suplementación con fructosa y con tagatosa provocaron un aumento de los índices aterogénicos disminuyendo la concentración de colesterol HDL y aumentando la de triglicéridos.Además, la suplementación con colesterol y fructosa provocó un aumento en los niveles plasmáticos de colesterol total y colesterol no HDL y una disminución del colesterol HDL, independientemente de la alimentación materna, provocando un aumento de los índices aterogénicos.En definitiva, los resultados indican que el metabolismo del colesterol está influenciado tanto por el consumo materno de fructosa como por los tratamientos dietéticos posteriores de la descendencia: fructosa, fructosa con colesterol y tagatosa. (AU)

La ingesta materna de fructosa modula el metabolismo del colesterol en respuesta a una dieta occidental en la descendencia / Maternal fructose intake modulates cholesterol metabolism in response to a western diet in the offspring

El consumo de fructosa ha aumentado en las últimas décadas, en paralelo a la incidencia de síndrome metabólico y diabetes tipo 2. Múltiples evidencias sugieren que la ingesta materna de fructosa provoca alteraciones en la descendencia favoreciendo el desarrollo de síndrome metabólico. Sin embargo, la ingesta de fructosa durante el embarazo no está contraindicada. Este efecto se produce a través de la programación fetal, según la cual cambios como la dieta materna y ambientales durante las etapas embrionaria y fetal conducen a alteraciones en la etapa adulta de la descendencia. Con estos antecedentes, estudiamos el efecto de la ingesta materna de fructosa sobre el metabolismo del colesterol en la descendencia. Además, la progenie también se sometió a diferentes tratamientos dietéticos: fructosa, fructosa con colesterol y tagatosa.La tagatosa provocó un aumento del colesterol no HDL en la descendencia de madres control, mientras que el consumo materno de fructosa amortiguó este efecto, sugiriendo una programación fetal. Además, la suplementación con fructosa y con tagatosa provocaron un aumento de los índices aterogénicos disminuyendo la concentración de colesterol HDL y aumentando la de triglicéridos.Además, la suplementación con colesterol y fructosa provocó un aumento en los niveles plasmáticos de colesterol total y colesterol no HDL y una disminución del colesterol HDL, independientemente de la alimentación materna, provocando un aumento de los índices aterogénicos.En definitiva, los resultados indican que el metabolismo del colesterol está influenciado tanto por el consumo materno de fructosa como por los tratamientos dietéticos posteriores de la descendencia: fructosa, fructosa con colesterol y tagatosa. (AU)

Fructose consumption has increased during the last decades, while a simultaneous rise in the incidence of pathologies such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome has also taken place. Although there is evidence that fructose can cause alterations in the offspring related to the development of the aforementioned diseases, exposure to fructose during pregnancy is not contraindicated for women. This effect is explained by the concept of foetal programming, which suggests that changes that occur during the embryogenic and foetal stages are permanent in the adult, due to maternal health, diet and other environmental factors.Therefore, the effect of fructose on cholesterol metabolism in the offspring of mothers fed with or without fructose during gestation was studied. In addition, the progeny also received different diets: fructose (with and without supplementation of cholesterol) or tagatose solutions.Tagatose increased non-HDL cholesterol in the offspring of water-fed mothers, whereas fructose consumption during gestation dampened this effect, indicating foetal programming. In addition, fructose and tagatose feeding increased atherogenic indices by decreasing HDL-cholesterol concentration and increasing triglycerides levels.On the other hand, the addition of cholesterol to fructose consumption caused an increase in total cholesterol and a change in its distribution: higher concentration of non-HDL cholesterol and lower concentration of HDL cholesterol, independently of maternal feeding. This also caused an increase in atherogenic indices.Ultimately, the results indicate that cholesterol metabolism is influenced by both maternal fructose consumption, and the subsequent intake of fructose (alone or in combination with cholesterol) and tagatose in the offspring. (AU)

Bempedoic Acid Restores Liver H2S Production in a Female Sprague-Dawley Rat Dietary Model of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver.

We previously demonstrated that treatment with BemA (bempedoic acid), an inhibitor of ATP citrate lyase, significantly reduces fatty liver in a model of liver steatosis (HFHFr-female Sprague-Dawley rat fed a high-fat high-fructose diet). Since the hepatic production of the gasotransmitter H2S is impaired in liver disorders, we were interested in determining if the production of H2S was altered in our HFHFr model and whether the administration of BemA reversed these changes. We used stored liver samples from a previous study to determine the total and enzymatic H2S production, as well as the expression of CBS (cystathionine ß-synthase), CSE (cystathionine γ-lyase), and 3MST (3-mercaptopiruvate sulfurtransferase), and the expression/activity of FXR (farnesoid X receptor), a transcription factor involved in regulating CSE expression. Our data show that the HFHFr diet reduces the total and enzymatic production of liver H2S, mainly by decreasing the expression of CBS and CSE. Furthermore, BemA treatment restored H2S production, increasing the expression of CBS and CSE, providing evidence for the involvement of FXR transcriptional activity and the mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin1)/S6K1 (ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1)/PGC1α (peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma coactivator1α) pathway.

Pregnancy Is Enough to Provoke Deleterious Effects in Descendants of Fructose-Fed Mothers and Their Fetuses.

The role of fructose in the global obesity and metabolic syndrome epidemic is widely recognized. However, its consumption is allowed during pregnancy. We have previously demonstrated that maternal fructose intake in rats induces detrimental effects in fetuses. However, these effects only appeared in adult descendants after a re-exposure to fructose. Pregnancy is a physiological state that leads to profound changes in metabolism and hormone response. Therefore, we wanted to establish if pregnancy in the progeny of fructose-fed mothers was also able to provoke an unhealthy situation. Pregnant rats from fructose-fed mothers (10% w/v) subjected (FF) or not (FC) to a fructose supplementation were studied and compared to pregnant control rats (CC). An OGTT was performed on the 20th day of gestation, and they were sacrificed on the 21st day. Plasma and tissues from mothers and fetuses were analyzed. Although FF mothers showed higher AUC insulin values after OGTT in comparison to FC and CC rats, ISI was lower and leptinemia was higher in FC and FF rats than in the CC group. Accordingly, lipid accretion was observed both in liver and placenta in the FC and FF groups. Interestingly, fetuses from FC and FF mothers also showed the same profile observed in their mothers on lipid accumulation, leptinemia, and ISI. Moreover, hepatic lipid peroxidation was even more augmented in fetuses from FC dams than those of FF mothers. Maternal fructose intake produces in female progeny changes that alter their own pregnancy, leading to deleterious effects in their fetuses.

Liquid carbohydrate intake modifies transsulfuration pathway both in pregnant rats and in their male descendants / La ingesta de carbohidratos en forma líquida modifica la ruta de la transulfuración tanto en ratas gestantes como en su descendencia macho

Introduction: Fructose, alone or in combination with glucose, has been used as a source of added sugars to manufacture sugary drinks and processed foods. High consumption of simple sugars, mainly fructose, has been demonstrated to be one of the causes of developing metabolic diseases. Maternal nutrition is a key factor in the health of the progeny when adult. However, ingestion of fructose-containing foods is still permitted during gestation. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter produced in the transsulfuration pathway with proved beneficial effects to combat metabolic diseases. Methods: Carbohydrates were supplied to pregnant rats in drinking water (10% wt/vol) throughout gestation, and the pregnant rats, their foetuses, and adult male descendants were studied. Later, adult male progeny from control, fructose- and glucose-fed mothers were subjected to liquid fructose, and were compared to the control group. Liver H2S production was determined. Results: This study shows that, in pregnancy, either a fructose-rich diet per se or situations that produce an impaired insulin sensitivity such as an excessive intake of glucose, decrease hepatic and placental production of H2S. Furthermore, this effect was also observed in the liver of male offspring (both in foetal and adult stages). Interestingly, when these adult descendants were subjected to a high fructose intake, decreases in H2S synthesis in liver and adipose tissue due to this fructose intake were maternal consumption dependent. Conclusions: Given H2S is a protective agent against diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome, the fact that carbohydrate consumption reduces H2S synthesis both in pregnancy and in their progeny could have clear and relevant clinical implications.(AU)

Introducción: La fructosa, sola o en combinación con glucosa, se usa como fuente de azúcares añadidos para elaborar bebidas azucaradas y comidas procesadas. El elevado consumo de azúcares simples, sobre todo fructosa, se ha mostrado como una de las causas del desarrollo de enfermedades metabólicas. La nutrición materna es un factor clave en la salud de la descendencia adulta. Sin embargo, el consumo de alimentos que contienen fructosa está todavía permitido durante la gestación. El sulfuro de hidrógeno (H2S) es un gasotransmisor producido en la ruta de la transulfuración con probados beneficios para luchar contra las enfermedades metabólicas. Métodos: Los carbohidratos se suministraron a las ratas gestantes en el agua de bebida (10% p/v) a lo largo de la gestación, y se estudiaron las ratas preñadas, sus fetos y los descendientes macho adultos. Posteriormente, a la progenie macho adulta procedente de madres control, alimentadas con fructosa o bien con glucosa, se le administró fructosa líquida y se comparó con un grupo control. Se determinó la producción hepática de H2S. Resultados: Este estudio muestra cómo en la gestación, una dieta rica en fructosa per se o situaciones en las que se produce una empeorada sensibilidad a la insulina tal como un consumo excesivo de glucosa, disminuyen la producción hepática y placentaria de H2S. Más aún, este efecto también fue observado en el hígado de la descendencia macho (tanto en el estado fetal como en la edad adulta). Es destacable que, cuando esta descendencia adulta era sometida a una ingesta elevada de fructosa, las disminuciones en la síntesis de H2S en el hígado y el tejido adiposo debidas a dicho consumo eran dependientes del consumo materno...(AU)

Liquid carbohydrate intake modifies transsulfuration pathway both in pregnant rats and in their male descendants.

INTRODUCTION: Fructose, alone or in combination with glucose, has been used as a source of added sugars to manufacture sugary drinks and processed foods. High consumption of simple sugars, mainly fructose, has been demonstrated to be one of the causes of developing metabolic diseases. Maternal nutrition is a key factor in the health of the progeny when adult. However, ingestion of fructose-containing foods is still permitted during gestation. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter produced in the transsulfuration pathway with proved beneficial effects to combat metabolic diseases. METHODS: Carbohydrates were supplied to pregnant rats in drinking water (10% wt/vol) throughout gestation, and the pregnant rats, their foetuses, and adult male descendants were studied. Later, adult male progeny from control, fructose- and glucose-fed mothers were subjected to liquid fructose, and were compared to the control group. Liver H2S production was determined. RESULTS: This study shows that, in pregnancy, either a fructose-rich diet per se or situations that produce an impaired insulin sensitivity such as an excessive intake of glucose, decrease hepatic and placental production of H2S. Furthermore, this effect was also observed in the liver of male offspring (both in foetal and adult stages). Interestingly, when these adult descendants were subjected to a high fructose intake, decreases in H2S synthesis in liver and adipose tissue due to this fructose intake were maternal consumption dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Given H2S is a protective agent against diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome, the fact that carbohydrate consumption reduces H2S synthesis both in pregnancy and in their progeny could have clear and relevant clinical implications.

Maternal Fructose Intake Increases Liver H2 S Synthesis but Exarcebates its Fructose-Induced Decrease in Female Progeny.

SCOPE: Fructose intake from added sugars correlates with the epidemic rise in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, consumption of beverages containing fructose is allowed during gestation. Homocysteine (Hcy) is a well-known risk factor for CVD while hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), a product of its metabolism, has been proved to exert opposite effects to Hcy. METHODS AND RESULTS: First, it is investigated whether maternal fructose intake produces subsequent changes in Hcy metabolism and H2 S synthesis of the progeny. Carbohydrates are supplied to pregnant rats in drinking water (10% wt/vol) throughout gestation. Adult female descendants from fructose-fed, control or glucose-fed mothers are studied. Females from fructose-fed mothers have elevated homocysteinemia, hepatic H2 S production, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) (the key enzyme in H2 S synthesis) expression and plasma H2 S, versus the other two groups. Second, it is studied how adult female progeny from control (C/F), fructose- (F/F), and glucose-fed (G/F) mothers responded to liquid fructose and compared them to the control group (C/C). Interestingly, hepatic CSE expression and H2 S synthesis are diminished by fructose intake, this effect being more pronounced in F/F females. CONCLUSION: Maternal fructose intake produces a fetal programming that increases hepatic H2 S production and, in contrast, exacerbates its fructose-induced drop in female progeny.

Effects of Maternal Fructose Intake on Perinatal ER-Stress: A Defective XBP1s Nuclear Translocation Affects the ER-stress Resolution.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is crucial to appropriate cell functioning, and when disturbed, a safeguard system called unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated. Fructose consumption modifies ER homeostasis and has been related to metabolic syndrome. However, fructose sweetened beverages intake is allowed during gestation. Therefore, we investigate whether maternal fructose intake affects the ER status and induces UPR. Thus, administrating liquid fructose (10% w/v) to pregnant rats partially activated the ER-stress in maternal and fetal liver and placenta. In fact, a fructose-induced increase in the levels of pIRE1 (phosphorylated inositol requiring enzyme-1) and its downstream effector, X-box binding protein-1 spliced form (XBP1s), was observed. XBP1s is a key transcription factor, however, XBP1s nuclear translocation and the expression of its target genes were reduced in the liver of the carbohydrate-fed mothers, and specifically diminished in the fetal liver and placenta in the fructose-fed mothers. These XBP1s target genes belong to the ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD) system, used to buffer ER-stress and to restore ER-homeostasis. It is known that XBP1s needs to form a complex with diverse proteins to migrate into the nucleus. Since methylglyoxal (MGO) content, a precursor of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE), was augmented in the three tissues in the fructose-fed mothers and has been related to interfere with the functioning of many proteins, the role of MGO in XBP1s migration should not be discarded. In conclusion, maternal fructose intake produces ER-stress, but without XBP1s nuclear migration. Therefore, a complete activation of UPR that would resolve ER-stress is lacking. A state of fructose-induced oxidative stress is probably involved.

Maternal fructose induces gender-dependent changes in both LXRα promoter methylation and cholesterol metabolism in progeny.

Fructose consumption from added sugars correlates with the epidemic rise in obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. However, consumption of beverages containing fructose is allowed during gestation. We have investigated whether maternal fructose intake produces subsequent changes in cholesterol metabolism of progeny. Carbohydrates were supplied to pregnant rats in drinking water (10% w/v solution) throughout gestation. Adult male and female descendants from fructose-fed, control or glucose-fed mothers were studied. Male offspring from fructose-fed mothers had elevated plasma HDL-cholesterol levels, whereas female progeny from fructose-fed mothers presented lower levels of non-HDL cholesterol vs. the other two groups. Liver X-receptor (LXR), an important regulator of cholesterol metabolism, and its target genes such as scavenger receptor B1, ATP-binding cassette (ABC)G5 and cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase showed decreased gene expression in males from fructose-fed mothers and the opposite in the female progeny. Moreover, the expression of a number of LXRα target genes related to lipogenesis paralleled to that for LXRα expression. In accordance with this, LXRα gene promoter methylation was increased in males from fructose-fed mothers and decreased in the corresponding group of females. Surprisingly, plasma folic acid levels, an important methyl-group donor, were augmented in males from fructose-fed mothers and diminished in female offspring. Maternal fructose intake produces a fetal programming that influences, in a gender-dependent manner, the transcription factor LXRα epigenetically, and both hepatic mRNA gene expression and plasma parameters of cholesterol metabolism in adult progeny. Changes in the LXRα promoter methylation might be related to the availability of the methyl donor folate.