FGF21-protection against fructose-induced lipid accretion and oxidative stress is influenced by maternal nutrition in male progeny

Abstract Fructose intake from added sugars correlates with the epidemic rise in metabolic syndrome. Nevertheless, consumption of beverages sweetened with fructose is allowed in gestation. We have studied how adult male progeny from control (C/F), fructose- (F/F) and glucose-fed (G/F) mothers respond to liquid fructose (10% wt/vol), and compared them to the control group (C/C). Interestingly, plasma levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) were augmented in fructose-fed males, mainly in F/F group. FGF21 has proven to be a protective agent against steatosis and oxidative stress. Accordingly, FGF21 protected against fructose-induced lipid accumulation in livers of C/F and F/F males, but not in G/F. However, fructose-induced lipid oxidation was found in the adipose tissue of F/F males due to an impaired response of their antioxidant system. Maternal carbohydrate intake does influence the adult male offspring’s response to liquid fructose presumably by affecting the FGF21 function.