High-fructose corn syrup enhances intestinal tumor growth in mice

Science. 2019 Mar 22;363(6433):1345-1349. doi: 10.1126/science.aat8515.

Abstract

Excessive consumption of beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is associated with obesity and with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Whether HFCS contributes directly to tumorigenesis is unclear. We investigated the effects of daily oral administration of HFCS in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutant mice, which are predisposed to develop intestinal tumors. The HFCS-treated mice showed a substantial increase in tumor size and tumor grade in the absence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. HFCS increased the concentrations of fructose and glucose in the intestinal lumen and serum, respectively, and the tumors transported both sugars. Within the tumors, fructose was converted to fructose-1-phosphate, leading to activation of glycolysis and increased synthesis of fatty acids that support tumor growth. These mouse studies support the hypothesis that the combination of dietary glucose and fructose, even at a moderate dose, can enhance tumorigenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / genetics
  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology*
  • Diet / adverse effects*
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup / administration & dosage
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup / adverse effects*
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Tumor Burden*

Substances

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • adenomatous polyposis coli protein, mouse