Dietary fructose promotes MASH/HCC progression through enhanced intestinal HIF-2α-dependent iron absorption

Abstract

Dietary fructose is a major risk factor driving the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying fructose-induced nutrient-sensing pathway remains unclear. Here, we report that fructose facilitates iron absorption through the (Ketohexokinase) KHK/PKM2/HIF-2 axis, driving MASH and HCC development. Fructose aberrantly stabilizes intestinal HIF-; this effect is abrogated by a KHK inhibitor and genetic Khk deletion. Mechanistically, fructose-induced metabolic reprogramming drives glutamine-dependent oxidative phosphorylation, leading to HIF- stabilization, which is mediated by pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). A selective PKM2 inhibitor rescues reduced intestinal HIF- stability in Khk-deficient mice. Furthermore, dietary fructose increases plasma iron levels. Conversely, Khk-deficient mice exhibit spontaneous systemic iron deficiency, characterized by hypochromic anemia. Moreover, Khk deficiency inhibits iron absorption in a HIF-2-dependent manner. Finally, fructose promotes MASH and HCC progression in an iron-dependent manner. This study reveals a unique, therapeutically targetable nutrient-sensing pathway utilized by dietary fructose. In briefMitchell et al. demonstrate that fructose consumption increases plasma iron levels, while KHK deficiency inhibits iron absorption in a HIF-2-dependent manner. Mechanistically, dietary fructose-induced metabolic reprogramming aberrantly stabilizes intestinal HIF-, which is mediated by PKM2. Fructose promotes MASH and HCC progression in an iron-dependent manner. HighlightsO_LIFructose aberrantly stabilizes intestinal HIF- C_LIO_LIKHK is required for intestinal HIF- stability C_LIO_LIKHK deficiency inhibits iron absorption in a HIF-2-dependent manner C_LIO_LIDietary fructose promotes MASH and HCC progression in an iron-dependent manner C_LI