Maternal fructose intake reinforces the effects of a Western-type diet in promoting SARS-CoV-2 cell entry factors in male offspring

Abstract

Background and Aims : Fructose consumption has increased considerably, in a similar way to the prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Further, maternal intake is a key factor involved in the development of diseases in offspring. Severity of COVID-19 has been related to the prevalence of these metabolic diseases. Therefore, fructose-rich processed foods and sugary drinks could place these patients at an increased risk for severe COVID-19. Present work studies whether maternal fructose produces in offspring changes in gene expression of molecules that permit SARS-CoV2 entry to the cell.