Pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension development induced by fructose consumption

During the past several decades, there has been a dramatic increase in fructose consumption worldwide in parallel with epidemics of metabolic diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested that excessive fructose consumption is extensively linked to an increase in blood pressure. A combined intake of high fructose and high salt induced salt-sensitive hypertension and maternal high-fructose consumption induced programmed hypertension in adult offspring. The underlying mechanisms of these two events are similar and complex. These mainly include activation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system, gut dysbiosis, enhanced oxidative stress, activation of nephron ion transporters, and dysregulation of T-lymphocytes. The major objective of this article is to review recent advances in these fields and suggest novel therapies targeting these mechanisms that have potentially beneficial effects on diet-associated hypertension.