Pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension development induced by fructose consumption

Abstract

During the past several decades, there has been a dramatic increase in fructose consumption worldwide in parallel with epidemics of metabolic diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested that excessive fructose consumption is extensively linked to an increase in blood pressure. A combined intake of high fructose and high salt induced salt-sensitive hypertension and maternal high-fructose consumption induced programmed hypertension in adult offspring. The underlying mechanisms of these two events are similar and complex. These mainly include activation of the intrarenal renin–angiotensin system, gut dysbiosis, enhanced oxidative stress, activation of nephron ion transporters, and dysregulation of T-lymphocytes. The major objective of this article is to review recent advances in these fields and suggest novel therapies targeting these mechanisms that have potentially beneficial effects on diet-associated hypertension.