Exogenous Exposure to Dihydroxyacetone Mimics High Fructose Induced Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Author

Raj Mehta, University of South AlabamaFollow

Date of Award

8-2023

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Degree Name

BS

Department

Biomedical Sciences

Faculty Mentor

Glen Borchert

Advisor(s)

Kelly Major, Timothy Sherman

Abstract

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a three-carbon sugar that is the active ingredient in sunless tanning products and a by-product of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) combustion. Increased use of sunless tanning products and e-cigarettes has elevated exposures to DHA through inhalation and absorption. Studies have confirmed that DHA is rapidly absorbed into cells and can enter into metabolic pathways following phosphorylation to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), a product of fructose metabolism. Recent reports have suggested metabolic imbalance and cellular stress results from DHA exposures. However, the impact of elevated exposure to DHA on human health is currently under-investigated. We propose that exogenous exposures to DHA increase DHAP levels in cells and mimic fructose exposures to produce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gene and protein expression changes. Here, we review cell line and animal model exposures to fructose to highlight similarities in the effects produced by exogenous exposures to DHA. Given the long-term health consequences of fructose exposure, this review emphasizes the pressing need to further examine DHA exposures from sunless tanning products and e-cigarettes.

Comments

Copyright © 2023 Raj Mehta ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Recommended Citation

Mehta, Raj, "Exogenous Exposure to Dihydroxyacetone Mimics High Fructose Induced Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction" (2023). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 39.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/honors_college_theses/39