Fructose-induced Changes in Renal Microvascular Function and Blood Pressure

Determining the association of dietary fructose with blood pressure and kidney disease

Full Project Name:Effect of Fructose-induced Changes in Renal Microvascular Function and Blood PressurePrincipal Investigator:John Imig, PhD, Pharmacology and ToxicologyCo-Investigator:Oleg Palygin, PhD, Physiology; Srividya Kidambi, MD, MedicineAward Amount:$200,000

Award Date

January2018

Project Duration:24 months

Project Description Narrative:

Fructose consumption increased dramatically with the use of low-cost high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener. The increased consumption of high-fructose corn syrup-containing sodas and processed foods has been strongly implicated in the epidemic of diabetes, obesity, renal failure and hypertension. A substantial 23.1% of individuals in Wisconsin consume beverages containing high fructose corn syrup at least once per day.

Given the high prevalence of hypertension and high levels of consumption of fructose, researchers seek to better understand the association of dietary fructose with blood pressure salt-sensitivity and underlying renal microvascular mechanisms by which fructose intake affects blood pressure and kidney disease.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Studies in humans and animals have determined that high fructose consumption does cause salt-sensitive hypertension and can cause vascular disease
Findings from the study were shared at the American Heart Association international meeting in 2019 via two oral presentation
One manuscript was submitted to share the findings
Plans underway for an R21 grant submission to further advance the research