Fructose, high fructose corn syrup and sucrose solutions: a comparison of their effects on the hypothalamic control of food intake

Abstract

Fructose consumption can influence several systems that regulate food intake in ways that differ from those promoted by glucose intake. In particular fructose access uniquely leads to changes in several genes in the hypothalamus that have been linked to appetite control.Rats were given access to food, water and one of several sugar solutions for 24 h, after which blood and tissues were collected. Separate 16% (w/v) solutions of glucose, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and fructose were tested. Despite differences in their sweetness, palatability and metabolic effects, all of the solutions were consumed in similar amounts. All groups given access to sugar consumed more calories than did controls. Overnight fructose access (as opposed to other sugars) led to a doubling of circulating triglycerides. Hypothalamic dopamine receptors 1a and 2 and Neuropeptide Y messages were upregulated in only the fructose fed rats. Hypothalamic Galanin, Brs3, AGRP, INSR, Gh1, Trhr, Atrn, NMB, TNF and Thrb were downregulated only in the fructose group. Unlike fructose, preliminary comparisons of sucrose and HFCS to glucose have failed to reveal any differences in these end points.(Supported by a grant from the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station)