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Fructose metabolism

Firewater, fructose and appetite

Nature Metabolism volume 7, pages 2187–2188 (2025)Cite this article

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A new study in mice links ethanol consumption to endogenous fructose generation via hepatic aldose reductase, which enhances alcohol-seeking behaviour and liver damage. Inhibition of ketohexokinase reduced these effects, highlighting potential targets for managing alcohol use disorders.

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Fig. 1: KHK function links endogenous fructose metabolism to alcohol intake in mice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK

    Emma L. Shepherd

  2. Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Patricia F. Lalor

  3. Birmingham NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Birmingham, UK

    Patricia F. Lalor

Authors
  1. Emma L. Shepherd
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  2. Patricia F. Lalor
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Correspondence to Patricia F. Lalor.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Shepherd, E.L., Lalor, P.F. Firewater, fructose and appetite. Nat Metab 7, 2187–2188 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-025-01369-9

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