Effect of long intake of aspartame on ionic imbalance in immune organs of immunized wistar albino rats

Long-term intake of aspartame-induced cardiovascular toxicity is reflected in altered histochemical parameters, evokes oxidative stress, and trigger P53-dependent apoptosis in a mouse model

Aspartame (ASP) is probably the best known artificial sugar substitute that is used widely in food. Many experimental studies have reported the toxicity of long-term administration of ASP in various organ tissues. However, there is little evidence available about the nature and mechanisms of the adverse effects of long-term consumption of ASP on the cardiovascular system. This study was conducted to evaluate the possible effects of ASP on heart tissue. For this study 36 mature male mice were divided into one control group and three groups which received respectively 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg ASP orally, for 90 days. ASP at the doses of 80 and 160 mg/kg increased the serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA), but decreased serum nitric oxide (NO), creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB, as well as blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Serum level of total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) in blood was also reduced in serum at the dose of 80 mg/kg. Histochemical staining, including Periodic acid-Schiff, Masson's trichrome and Verhoeff-van Gieson staining, indicated that ASP at doses of 80 and 160 mg/kg reduced glycogen deposition and decreased the number of collagen and elastic fibres in the cardiac tissue. The cardiac expression of pro-apoptotic genes, including P53, Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3, was modulated at the dose of 160 mg/kg. Moreover, transcription of Caspase-3 was up-regulated at the dose of 80 mg/kg. In conclusion, long-term consumption of ASP any higher than the acceptable daily intake (40 mg/kg) appears to act by promoting oxidative stress, has the potential to alter both histopathological and biochemical parameters, and induces P53-dependent apoptosis in cardiac tissue.

Aspartame-True or False? Narrative Review of Safety Analysis of General Use in Products

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.

Mechanistic Insights into Aspartame-induced Immune Dysregulation

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.