02:00 am
Saturday 04 September 2021
Chinese scientists have warned against excessive intake of fructose sugar, because it may lead to an imbalance in the metabolic pathways, and cause various diseases.
The Chinese Medical Journal notes that this study is devoted to the study of fructose metabolism in the body. Because people nowadays consume fructose in large quantities, through eating fast foods, ready-made drinks and many products that are included in their ingredients. In a sedentary lifestyle, this sugar becomes a risk factor for metabolic disorders, diabetes, fatty liver disease and heart disease.
“This study provides comprehensive information on advances in the study of the molecular and cellular aspects of fructose metabolism, and its role in the development of diseases associated with this process. These findings will help develop strategies for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases,” says Professor Zhang Weiping of Tianjin Medical University. As reported by “Russia Today”.
It is reported that the cells lining the intestine absorb the bulk of the fructose that enters the body. The intensity of absorption is determined by the protein transporters GLUT5 and GLUT2 expressed by gut cells. These receptors activate in response to fructose levels – that is, the more a person eats of sugar or fructose, the more craving sweets. GLUT5 and GLUT2 deficiency can lead to impaired fructose absorption and intestinal dysfunction.
The kidneys and liver, the two most important centers of metabolism, control the level of fructose after it is absorbed and reaches the bloodstream. Here in these two organs fructose is converted into glucose by a process called gluconeogenesis. But this process requires the destruction of molecules of the organic compound adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the main energy source in cells.
According to the researchers, this means that excessive fructose intake can lead to a depletion of ATP in cells, causing activation of other metabolic pathways that cause uric acid to build up in the blood and joints, thus causing gout. Moreover, excessive fructose intake leads to high cholesterol levels and the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area.
The researchers also warn of the risks of genetic changes. Because fructose metabolism is regulated at the gene level, by the protein ChREBP, which is involved in the uptake, transport and breakdown of sugars. The results of studies in mice have shown that ChREBP is also essential for the absorption and excretion of fructose. But according to them, the molecular mechanisms that regulate ChREBP activation in response to fructose stimulation are still poorly studied.
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