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Abstract

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 sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter produced in the transsulfuration pathway with proved beneficial effects to fight metabolic diseases. Methods: Therefore, maternal intake of liquid carbohydrates (glucose or fructose) and its effect in H2S production both in the offspring and in the response of the progeny to a fructose supplementation were studied. Results: This study shows how in pregnancy, either a fructose-rich diet per se or situations that produce an impaired insulin sensitivity such an excessive intake of glucose, decrease hepatic and placental production of H2S. Further, this effect was also observed in liver of male offspring (both in fetal and adult stages). Interestingly, when these adult descendants were subjected to a high fructose intake, diminutions 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 would have clear and relevant clinical implications.

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