How Foods High in Sugars Can Damage Health
Research shows how high glycaemic foods uniquely impact liver and eye health
Foods that spike blood sugar quickly are called high glycaemic index (HGI) foods. New research looked at how HGI foods affect gene expression in the liver and retina over time.
The study
The researchers fed mice either a normal or HGI diet for 1 month or 12 months. They analysed genetic changes in the liver and retina.
Liver changes
After 1 month, genes involved in inflammation and fat metabolism changed in the HGI diet mice.
After 12 months, genes that process toxins and make fats were dysregulated. Levels of fatty acids like oleic acid increased.
Cholesterol increased too.
Retina changes
In the retina, major gene expression changes happened only after 12 months on the HGI diet. These affected how the retina uses energy.
Impact
The HGI diet uniquely altered each tissue’s metabolism over time. Early liver changes may drive later retina effects.
Diet and ageing interactions also changed gene expression. This shows the importance of long-term diet.
Conclusions
HGI foods quickly disrupted liver gene expression
Retina gene changes emerged later
HGI diet raised fatty acids and cholesterol
Diet and ageing together influence tissue function
These molecular changes likely contribute to diseases associated with high blood sugar. The findings reveal how HGI diets uniquely impact organs.
Sources:
Gaucher et al. iScienceJanuary 8, 2024
