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Kushigian DJ, Vaou OE. Aspartame use and Parkinson's disease: review of associated effects on neurotransmitters, oxidative stress, and cognition. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:506-519. [PMID: 37395401 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2228561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this review was to assess the current evidence regarding the associated physiological and cognitive effects of aspartame (APM) consumption and Parkinson's Disease (PD). METHODS A total of 32 studies demonstrating effects of APM on monoamine deficiencies, oxidative stress, and cognitive changes were reviewed. RESULTS Multiple studies demonstrated decreased brain dopamine, decreased brain norepinephrine, increased oxidative stress, increased lipid peroxidation, and decreased memory function in rodents after APM use. In addition, PD animal models have been found to be more sensitive to the effects of APM. DISCUSSION Overall, studies of APM use over time yielded more consistent results; however, no study has examined long-term effects on APM in human PD patients. Based on the current evidence, long-term human based observational research is needed to further investigate the potential effect of APM on PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Okeanis E Vaou
- Steward Medical Group Neurology, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Brighton, USA
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Khakpai F, Naseroleslami M, Moheb-Alian M, Ghanimati E, Abdollah-Pour F, Mousavi-Niri N. Intra-gastrically administration of Stevia and particularly Nano-Stevia reversed the hyperglycemia, anxiety, and memory impairment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Physiol Behav 2023; 263:114100. [PMID: 36716984 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Type II diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders considered chronic hyperglycemia resulting from deficits in insulin secretion or insulin function. This disease usually links with various psychological problems such as anxiety and cognitive dysfunctions. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a natural and healthy substitute sweetener for sugar and artificial sweeteners. It has become essential for human diets and food manufacturers. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of Stevia and Nano-stevia on the regulation of anxiety and memory processes in male diabetic rats. The elevated plus-maze (EPM) test-retest procedure was used to assess anxiety and memory in male diabetic rats. The findings exhibited that induction of diabetes caused a distorted cellular arrangement in the liver tissue of male rats. On the other hand, intra-gastrically administration of Stevia (1 ml/kg) and nano-Stevia (1 ml/kg) indicated a normal appearance in the liver tissue of male diabetic rats. Moreover, induction of diabetes caused the augmentation of blood glucose, reduction in time spent in%open-arm time (%OAT) on the test day, and enhancement of%OAT on the retest day. Therefore, induction of diabetes in rats produced hyperglycemia, anxiogenic effect, and memory impairment and these responses were reversed by drug treatment. Furthermore, intra-gastrically application of Stevia (1 ml/kg) and nano-Stevia (1 ml/kg) reversed the hyperglycemia, anxiogenic effect, and memory impairment in male diabetic rats. Interestingly, Nano-Stevia exhibited the highest significant response rather than Stevia. In conclusion, the results of this research suggested the beneficial properties of Stevia and particularly Nano-Stevia on inducing anti-diabetic effects, anxiolytic behavior, as well as memory improvement in male diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khakpai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Naseroleslami
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Moheb-Alian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Herbal pharmacology research center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Ghanimati
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Herbal pharmacology research center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Abdollah-Pour
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Herbal pharmacology research center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Mousavi-Niri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Czarnecka K, Pilarz A, Rogut A, Maj P, Szymańska J, Olejnik Ł, Szymański P. Aspartame-True or False? Narrative Review of Safety Analysis of General Use in Products. Nutrients 2021; 13:1957. [PMID: 34200310 PMCID: PMC8227014 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspartame is a sweetener introduced to replace the commonly used sucrose. It was discovered by James M. Schlatter in 1965. Being 180-200 times sweeter than sucrose, its intake was expected to reduce obesity rates in developing countries and help those struggling with diabetes. It is mainly used as a sweetener for soft drinks, confectionery, and medicines. Despite its widespread use, its safety remains controversial. This narrative review investigates the existing literature on the use of aspartame and its possible effects on the human body to refine current knowledge. Taking to account that aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, it seems appropriate to continue research on safety. Studies mentioned in this article have produced very interesting results overall, the current review highlights the social problem of providing visible and detailed information about the presence of aspartame in products. The studies involving the impact of aspartame on obesity, diabetes mellitus, children and fetus, autism, neurodegeneration, phenylketonuria, allergies and skin problems, its cancer properties and its genotoxicity were analyzed. Further research should be conducted to ensure clear information about the impact of aspartame on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Czarnecka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland; (A.P.); (A.R.); (P.M.); (J.S.); (Ł.O.)
- Department of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 4 Kozielska St., 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Pilarz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland; (A.P.); (A.R.); (P.M.); (J.S.); (Ł.O.)
| | - Aleksandra Rogut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland; (A.P.); (A.R.); (P.M.); (J.S.); (Ł.O.)
| | - Patryk Maj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland; (A.P.); (A.R.); (P.M.); (J.S.); (Ł.O.)
| | - Joanna Szymańska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland; (A.P.); (A.R.); (P.M.); (J.S.); (Ł.O.)
| | - Łukasz Olejnik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland; (A.P.); (A.R.); (P.M.); (J.S.); (Ł.O.)
| | - Paweł Szymański
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland; (A.P.); (A.R.); (P.M.); (J.S.); (Ł.O.)
- Department of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 4 Kozielska St., 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
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Choudhary AK, Lee YY. Mechanistic Insights into Aspartame-induced Immune Dysregulation. CURRENT NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573401314666181016124250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background & Objective:
Aspartame, (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) is a
widely used artificial sweetener but studies raise safety concerns regarding the use of aspartame
metabolites especially methanol. In this review, we aimed to provide mechanistic insights that may
explain aspartame-induced immune dysregulation.
Findings:
While evidence is limited, from the available literature, possible mechanisms for immune
dysfunction associated with aspartame include (1) alterations in bidirectional communication between
neuro-immune-endocrine responses (2) disruption of the brain-gut-microbiota-immune axis (3)
induction of oxidative stress in immune cells and organs and lastly (4) the immune-activation effect
of methanol.
Conclusion:
Further studies are needed to confirm above proposed mechanisms that may explain aspartame-
induce immune dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbind K. Choudhary
- Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Shivpuri, (M.P.), India
| | - Yeong Y. Lee
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Keesing C, Mills B, Rapsey C, Haszard J, Venn B. Cognitive Performance Following Ingestion of Glucose-Fructose Sweeteners That Impart Different Postprandial Glycaemic Responses: A Randomised Control Trial. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11112647. [PMID: 31689943 PMCID: PMC6893461 DOI: 10.3390/nu11112647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the isolated effect of glycaemia on cognitive test performance by using beverages sweetened with two different glucose–fructose disaccharides, sucrose and isomaltulose. In a randomised crossover design, 70 healthy adults received a low-glycaemic-index (GI) isomaltulose and sucralose beverage (GI 32) and a high-GI sucrose beverage (GI 65) on two occasions that were separated by two weeks. Following beverage ingestion, declarative memory and immediate word recall were examined at 30, 80 and 130 min. At 140 min, executive function was tested. To confirm that the glycaemic response of the test beverages matched published GI estimates, a subsample (n = 12) of the cognitive testing population (n = 70) underwent glycaemic response testing on different test days. A significantly lower value of mean (95% CI) blood glucose concentration incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was found for isomaltulose, in comparison to the blood glucose concentration iAUC value for sucrose, the difference corresponding to −44 mmol/L∙min (−70, −18), p = 0.003. The mean (95% CI) difference in numbers of correct answers or words recalled between beverages at 30, 80 and 130 min were 0.1 (−0.2, 0.5), −0.3 (−0.8, 0.2) and 0.0 (−0.5, 0.5) for declarative memory, and −0.5 (−1.4, 0.3), 0.4 (−0.4, 1.3) and −0.4 (−1.1, 0.4) for immediate free word recall. At 140 min, the mean difference in the trail-making test between beverages was −0.3 sec (−6.9, 6.3). None of these differences were statistically or clinically significant. In summary, cognitive performance was unaffected by different glycaemic responses to beverages during the postprandial period of 140 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Keesing
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Brianna Mills
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Charlene Rapsey
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Jillian Haszard
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Bernard Venn
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
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Abstract
Aspartame is a synthetic dipeptide artificial sweetener, frequently used in foods, medications, and beverages, notably carbonated and powdered soft drinks. Since 1981, when aspartame was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, researchers have debated both its recommended safe dosage (40 mg/kg/d) and its general safety to organ systems. This review examines papers published between 2000 and 2016 on both the safe dosage and higher-than-recommended dosages and presents a concise synthesis of current trends. Data on the safe aspartame dosage are controversial, and the literature suggests there are potential side effects associated with aspartame consumption. Since aspartame consumption is on the rise, the safety of this sweetener should be revisited. Most of the literature available on the safety of aspartame is included in this review. Safety studies are based primarily on animal models, as data from human studies are limited. The existing animal studies and the limited human studies suggest that aspartame and its metabolites, whether consumed in quantities significantly higher than the recommended safe dosage or within recommended safe levels, may disrupt the oxidant/antioxidant balance, induce oxidative stress, and damage cell membrane integrity, potentially affecting a variety of cells and tissues and causing a deregulation of cellular function, ultimately leading to systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbind Kumar Choudhary
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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