Effects of High-Fructose Corn Syrup Intake on Glucocorticoid Metabolism in Rats During Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood

Abstract

The consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been increasing in recent decades, especially among children. Some reports suggest that children and adolescents are more sensitive to the adverse effects of fructose intake than adults. However, the underlying mechanism of the difference in vulnerability between adolescence and adulthood have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the different effects of HFCS intake at different growth stages in rats: childhood and adolescence (postnatal day (PD) 21–60), young adulthood (PD60–100), and adulthood (PD100–140). Since alterations in hepatic glucocorticoid (GC) metabolism can cause diseases including insulin resistance, we focused on GC metabolizing enzymes such as 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (Hsd11b1 and Hsd11b2) and steroid 5 alpha-reductase 1 (Srd5a1). Western blotting showed an increase in Hsd11b1 expression and a decrease in Hsd11b2 expression in childhood and adolescence but not in adulthood. We also observed changes in Hsd11b1 and Hsd11b2 activities only in childhood and adolescence, consistent with the results of mRNA and protein expression analysis. The effect of high-fructose intake with regards to GC metabolism may therefore vary with developmental stage. This study provides insight into the adverse effects of fructose on GC metabolism in children in the context of increasing rates of HFCS consumption.

Maternal High-Fructose Corn Syrup Intake Impairs Corticosterone Clearance by Reducing Renal 11β-Hsd2 Activity via miR-27a-Mediated Mechanism in Rat Offspring

“…We stored the liver, kidney, adrenal glands, gastrocnemius muscle, and WAT at −80 • C to avoid 11β-Hsd1 and 11β-Hsd2 activity. This method was based on that described in a previous report [25]. Briefly, the tissues were homogenized in 30 mM Tris buffer (pH = 7.4) containing 0.9 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and 0.3 mM sucrose to produce 40 mg/mL homogenates.…”

Fructose improves Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles induced alterations in Developmental Competence of mouse oocytes

“…Glucose was included as an energy substrate in a single-step medium for IVM of mammalian oocytes (19,20). Fructose is capable of entering the glycolytic pathway (21). It is present in bovine (20,22,23) reproductive tracts (20,22,23) and effectively supports embryonic development in hamster, bovine, porcine (24), and human embryos (25)(26)(27).…”