Project Type
Poster
Publication Date
Spring 5-2025
Department or Program
Biological Sciences
College
College of Arts & Sciences
Faculty Mentor #1
Laura Sipe, Ph.D.
Abstract
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener that contains slightly higher concentrations of fructose compared to standard sucrose. It has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease. While both HFCS and sucrose are widely used sweeteners, growing evidence suggests they may differ in their inflammatory potential. We sought to understand the effects of elevated fructose on RAW 264.7 macrophages. To investigate these effects, we treated the cells with either a sucrose solution or a
solution designed to mimic high-fructose corn syrup. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation was used to model innate immune activation. We assessed cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) release, IκB protein expression, and TNFα secretion. Compared to sucrose, higher fructose elicited a stronger pro-inflammatory response across cell viability and NO release. Interestingly, no significance was found in regards to IκB and TNFα expression. These findings indicate that higher fructose may play a more active role in promoting macrophage-mediated inflammation. Our research aims to understand how the composition of dietary sugars can differentially influence innate immune pathways and supports a mechanistic link between excessive fructose
intake and the chronic inflammation underlying metabolic diseases.
Included in
Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition Commons, Hemic and Immune Systems Commons, Human and Clinical Nutrition Commons, Immunopathology Commons, Medical Immunology Commons