Aim 
Fructose consumption in sweetened beverages correlates with the epidemic rise in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. However, its consumption is allowed during gestation. We have investigated whether maternal fructose intake produces subsequent changes in one-carbon metabolism of progeny.

Methods 
Carbohydrates were supplied to pregnant rats in drinking water, 10% (w/v), throughout gestation. Adult female descendants from control, fructose or glucose-fed mothers were studied.

Results 
Females from fructose-fed mothers had diminished plasma folic acid levels versus the other two groups. However, one-carbon metabolism related genes, such as MAT1A, MTR and MTFHR did not show a parallel decrease. Curiously, females from fructose-fed mothers also had hyperhomocysteinemia. In accordance to this, a decrease in mRNA gene expression of BHMT, enzyme that converts homocysteine (HCy) into methionine, and an increase of CBS, CSE and 3MST (the transulfuration pathway that converts HCy into Cys and produces H2S) were found in females from fructose-fed mothers. And, consequently, the hepatic production and plasma levels of H2S were also enhanced. This situation could lead to an impairment of one-carbon metabolism-dependent mechanisms, such as DNA-methylation and redox status. In fact, the promoter methylation of LXR and CPT1 genes was reduced, and protein carbonylation augmented in females from fructose-fed mothers.

Conclusions 
Maternal fructose intake modifies one-carbon metabolism in female progeny affecting folic acid and HCy plasma levels and, accordingly, hepatic gene promoter methylation and oxidative stress. 


This work was supported by a grant from Programa Estatal de I+D+i RETOS (SAF2017-89537-R) and co-funded by FEDER funds.

01 - FRUCTOSE INTAKE IN PREGNANCY AFFECTS ONE-CARBON METABOLISM OF FEMALE PROGENY