Effects of Excessive Fructose Consumption on the Next Generation: Investigating Tissue Stem Cells and the DOHaD Hypothesis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H04134
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: Fujita Health University
• Principal Investigator: Yamada Hiroya 藤田医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (80610352)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 宗綱 栄二 藤田医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (30600431)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: DOHaD / 幹細胞 / エピゲノム / 前駆細胞 / Stem cell / DNAメチル化 / フルクトース

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The DOHaD (Developmental Origin of Health & Disease) hypothesis, a novel concept, proposes that the predisposition to health or disease is shaped by the nutritional status during the fetal period. This hypothesis has garnered significant attention, emphasizing that the fetal environment can have profound effects across generations, influencing the future health of the offspring.

Our research has focused on fructose, a natural sweetener commonly consumed in everyday life, within the context of DOHaD studies. This study employs an entirely new approach by concentrating on stem cells to elucidate the adverse effects of fructose on the next generation. By considering our findings on the previously overlooked properties and differentiation abnormalities of tissue stem cells, we anticipate substantial advancements in the understanding of the DOHaD hypothesis.

Free Research Field

予防医学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年のフルクトースの爆発的な消費量増加や疫学的な研究を鑑みると、次世代へ負の影響が強く示唆されている。しかしながら、メカニズムに関しては全く不明であるため、社会に警鐘を鳴らすには至っていない。本研究はこれまで制限の無かった妊婦のフルクトース摂取に関して一石を投じることが期待される。
本研究で得られた知見により、疾患形成のメカニズムを理解することができる。疾患リスクの形成を阻止する予防医学につながるばかりでなく、肥満や生活習慣病に耐性を持つ体質獲得につながるため新たな方法の開発につながる。