SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsClinical Diagnostics

High fructose diets could cause immune system damage

University of Bristol

The research brings a deeper understanding about how fructose could be linked to diabetes and obesity

23 Feb 2021
Diane Li
Assistant Editor

Industry news

New research led by Swansea University in collaboration with researchers at the University of Bristol and the Francis Crick Institute in London has indicated that consuming a diet high in the sugar fructose might prevent the proper functioning of peoples' immune systems in ways that has, until now, largely been unknown.

Fructose is commonly found in sugary drinks, sweets and processed foods and is used widely in food production. It is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its intake has increased substantially throughout the developed world in recent years. However, understanding the impact of fructose on the immune system of people who consume it in high levels, has been limited until now.

The new study published today [22 February] in the journal Nature Communications shows that fructose causes the immune system to become inflamed and that process produces more reactive molecules which are associated with inflammation. Inflammation of this kind can go on to damage cells and tissues and contribute to organs and body systems not working as they should and could lead to disease.

The research also brings a deeper understanding about how fructose could be linked to diabetes and obesity - as low- level inflammation is often associated with obesity. It also builds on the growing body of evidence available to public health policy makers about the damaging effects of consuming high levels of fructose.

Dr Nick Jones, of Swansea University's Medical School, said: "Research into different components of our diet can help us understand what might contribute to inflammation and disease and what could be best harnessed to improve health and wellbeing."

Dr Emma Vincent in the Bristol Medical School: Populational Health Sciences (PHS), added: "Our study is exciting because it takes us a step further towards understanding why some diets can lead to ill health."

This work was funded by Diabetes UK and Cancer Research UK.

Want the latest science news straight to your inbox? Become a SelectScience member for free today>>

Links

University of Bristol

Tags

ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Food and Beverage AnalyzersFood and Beverage Analyzers are commonly used to provide information about the chemical composition, structure and physical properties of food materials.Food and Beverage ProcessingFood and Beverage Processing involves the preparation of food products for further analysis. Typical instrumentation includes blanchers, color sorters, cookers, grinders, and refrigeration. These are used to replicate the processes commonly used in the commercial preparation of food and beverages.DiabetesDiabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, either due to insufficient insulin production or resistance to its effects. Ongoing diabetes innovation focuses on developing better diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventive measures. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best diabetes diagnostic tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Food AdditivesFood TestingFood testing refers to a variety experiments including PCR, mass spectrometry, processing, QuEChERS, analyzing and Kjeldahl.ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy is a treatment approach that utilizes the body�s immune system to fight diseases, especially cancer. It includes therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and CAR-T cell therapy. Immunotherapy is a rapidly growing area of research in oncology and autoimmune diseases. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best immunotherapy tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Food QualityFood quality refers to the attributes of food that influence its safety, nutrition, and taste. Monitoring and ensuring food quality are essential in production to meet health regulations and consumer expectations. Techniques like spectroscopy, chromatography, and microbial testing are used to assess food properties and detect contaminants. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find food quality testing solutions; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Dietary SupplementsFood IntegrityCancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.

Related articles