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Naik AQ, Zafar T, Shrivastava VK. The impact of non-caloric artificial sweetener aspartame on female reproductive system in mice model. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:73. [PMID: 37580716 PMCID: PMC10424399 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01115-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artificial sweeteners, used as sugar substitutes have found their ways into almost all the food items due to the notion that they are non-caloric. Aspartame is used in numerous food products throughout the world. The primary users of aspartame include diabetics and calorie conscious people who intend to limit their calorie intake. METHODS Female Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups (12 mice each) for the duration of 30 and 60 days consecutively. The treatment groups received 40 mg/kg b. w. aspartame orally. Hormone assays using ELISA and tissue histopathology have been performed along with the fertility assay to access the treatment outcomeon the fertility of treated mice in comparison to controls. RESULTS Present study reports that female mice treated with aspartame for 30 and 60 days showed significant reduction in body weight, relative organ weight of (liver and kidney) and gonadosomatic index. These changes were more significantly recorded in 60 days treatment group. Aspartame treated animals for 30 and 60 days showed duration-dependent decrease gonandotropins (follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone), and steroids (estradiol and progesterone). Moreover, severe histopathological changes, reduction in number of growing follicles, degenerative changes in follicular structure, corona radiata and zonagranulosa were also observed. Besides, histomorphological changes were also observed in the uterine structure including atrophic uterine endometrial glands, contracted endometrial lining, disruption of the endometrial structure and the shapes of blood vessels were also altered. CONCLUSION Non-nutritive artificial sweeteners including aspartame negatively impact the function of ovaries and feedback mechanism of reproductive hormones by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In light of present findings the aspartame negatively impacted the reproductive system of female mice. More studies are required to identify the molecular mechanism and the pathways involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ab Qayoom Naik
- Department of Zoology, Govt. Degree College, Paloura Mishriwala, Jammu, J & K, 180018, India.
- Laboratory of Endocrinology, Department of Biosciences, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, M. P, 462026, India.
| | - Tabassum Zafar
- Laboratory of Endocrinology, Department of Biosciences, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, M. P, 462026, India.
| | - Vinoy K Shrivastava
- Laboratory of Endocrinology, Department of Biosciences, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, M. P, 462026, India
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Shalaby A, Al-Gholam M, Elfiky S, Elgarawany G. Impact of High Aspartame and High Fructose Diet on Vascular Reactivity, Glucose Metabolism and Liver Structure in Diabetic Rats. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder, affected by fructose, and artificial sweeteners. Aspartame and fructose are popularly used, by diabetics, as substitutes to glucose.
AIM: This study evaluated the effect of high aspartame and fructose on vascular reactivity, glucose, and hepatic metabolism in diabetic rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight male rats were divided into six groups: Control, control-diabetic, aspartame, aspartame-diabetic, fructose, and fructose-diabetic. After 60 days, blood pressure, vascular reactivity to norepinephrine, Lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured.
RESULTS: High aspartame alone or with diabetes, decreased leptin, vascular reactivity, and increased triglyceride, cholesterol, MDA, and fasting blood glucose. Hepatic tissues showed dilated congested vessels, cellular infiltration, decreased Periodic Acid Schiff’s reaction, and increased collagenous fibers. High fructose decreased leptin, high-density lipoprotein, vascular reactivity, and increased cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein, MDA, glucose, and HOMA-IR. Hepatic tissues showed more fatty infiltration, glycogen deposition, and increased collagenous-fibers. The condition became worse in diabetes-treated rats.
CONCLUSION: High aspartame and high fructose diet caused deleterious effects on diabetic rats by atherogenic, oxidative stress, vascular, glucose, and hepatic tissue metabolism impairment.
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Anbara H, Sheibani MT, Razi M. Long-Term Effect of Aspartame on Male Reproductive System: Evidence for Testicular Histomorphometrics, Hsp70-2 Protein Expression and Biochemical Status. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2020; 14:91-101. [PMID: 32681620 PMCID: PMC7382684 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2020.6065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background Aspartame is one of the most commonly consumed artificial sweeteners that is widely used in foodstuffs. There are many debatable reports about aspartame toxicity in different tissues; however, on the subject of its
effects on the reproductive system, few literatures are available. The present study was carried out for evaluating effects of aspartame on the reproductive system in male mice. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, a total of 36 adult male mice were randomly divided into four
groups of nine animals each. Three groups received aspartame at doses of 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg (gavage) for 90 days;
also, a control group was considered. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, animals were sacrificed. Then, body
and testis weights, sperm parameters, serum testosterone concentration, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase
(GSH-Px)] activities in blood, histomorphometrical indices and histochemical changes in testis were evaluated; also,
mRNA and immunohistochemical expression of Hsp70-2 was measured in testis tissue. Results The results revealed remarkable differences in sperm parameters, testosterone and oxidative stress biomarkers
levels, and histomorphometrical indices, between the control and treatment groups. Also, in 80 and 160 mg/kg aspartametreated groups, expression of Hsp70-2 was decreased. Besides, in the aspartame receiving groups, some histochemical
changes in testicular tissue were observed. Conclusion The findings of the present study elucidated that long-term consumption of aspartame resulted in reproductive damages in male mice through induction of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojat Anbara
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Sheibani
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Electronic Address:
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Comparative Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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Magalhães PCG, Abadie-Guedes R, da Costa Mendonça MAB, de Souza AD, Guedes RCA. Behavioral and electrophysiological brain effects of aspartame on well-nourished and malnourished rats. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:651-658. [PMID: 30547285 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0361-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The non-caloric sweetener aspartame can be potentially harmful to the developing brain, as some studies suggest an association between aspartame intake and adverse neural effects. This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of aspartame, with or without associated early nutritional deficiency, on behavioral parameters suggestive of anxiety and electrophysiological features of the excitability-related phenomenon known as cortical spreading depression (CSD). Newborn Wistar rats (n = 80) were suckled under favorable (L9; n = 40) or unfavorable lactation conditions (L15; n = 40), consisting of litters with 9 or 15 pups, respectively. In each lactation condition, animals were divided into 4 groups that received per gavage, from postnatal day 8 to 28, 75 mg/kg/d or 125 mg/kg/d aspartame (groups ASP75 and ASP125), or water (vehicle group), or no treatment (naive group). Behavioral tests (elevated plus-maze [EPM]) were performed at postnatal days 86-95 and CSD was recorded between postnatal days 96-115. Compared to the control groups, aspartame dose-dependently reduced body weight, suggesting a negative impact on animal development; aspartame also caused behavioral changes suggestive of anxiety (shorter stay in the open arms in the EPM) and decelerated CSD (lower propagation speed). Some of these parameters were more affected in L15 animals, suggesting an interaction among aspartame and lactation condition. We concluded that early consumption of aspartame adversely affects development of the organism (weight loss), with actions on behavioral (anxiety-like) and cerebral electrophysiological (CSD) parameters. The data suggest caution in aspartame consumption by lactating mothers and their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo Abadie-Guedes
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Aline Duarte de Souza
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
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Methyl aspartylphenylalanine, the pons and cerebellum in mice: An evaluation of motor, morphological, biochemical, immunohistochemical and apoptotic effects. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 86:67-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Tovar AP, Navalta JW, Kruskall LJ, Young JC. The effect of moderate consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners on glucose tolerance and body composition in rats. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2017; 42:1225-1227. [PMID: 28692807 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2017-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Glucose tolerance and body composition were determined in male rats given non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) (aspartame or sucralose) in drinking water. Areas under the curve for glucose and insulin with NNS did not differ from control. NNS treatment had no effect on weight gain or percent body fat. Epididymal fat pad mass was higher with aspartame and the ratio of trunk to total fat was less with sucralose versus control, suggesting that NNS consumption altered body fat distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley P Tovar
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3034, USA.,Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3034, USA
| | - James W Navalta
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3034, USA.,Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3034, USA
| | - Laura J Kruskall
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3034, USA.,Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3034, USA
| | - John C Young
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3034, USA.,Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3034, USA
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Onaolapo AY, Onaolapo OJ, Nwoha PU. Aspartame and the hippocampus: Revealing a bi-directional, dose/time-dependent behavioural and morphological shift in mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 139:76-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Kokavec A. Migraine: A disorder of metabolism? Med Hypotheses 2016; 97:117-130. [PMID: 27876120 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The treatment and prevention of migraine within the last decade has become largely pharmacological. While there is little doubt that the advent of drugs (e.g. triptans) has helped many migraine sufferers to lead a normal life, there is still little knowledge with respect to the factors responsible for precipitating a migraine attack. Evidence from biochemical and behavioural studies from a number of disciplines is integrated to put forward the proposal that migraine is part of a cascade of events, which together act to protect the organism when confronted by a metabolic challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kokavec
- University of New England, School of Health, Armidale, NSW 2350, United States.
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Effect of long term-administration of aspartame on the ultrastructure of sciatic nerve. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2016; 4:175-183. [PMID: 30023225 PMCID: PMC6014252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspartame is the most widely used artificial sweetener worldwide. There is much controversy about the effect of aspartame on different cells in the body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aspartame on the structure of the sciatic nerve. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I served as control; Group II received aspartame orally in a dose of 250 mg/kg/d for 3 months; Group III received aspartame at the same dose and for the same period, and was allowed to recover for 1 month. Specimens of sciatic nerve were processed, and semithin and ultrathin sections were examined by light and electron microscopy. A morphometric study was done to evaluate the g-ratio, which is the ratio between the axon diameter and total fiber diameter. Long-term aspartame administration resulted in many degenerative changes affecting mainly the myelin sheath, in the form of focal and extensive demyelination; disruption and splitting of myelin lamellae with loss of compact lamellar structure; and excessive enfolding with irregular thickening of myelin sheaths. Less frequent than those observed in the myelin sheath, some axonal changes were detected, such as compression and distortion. Dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and vacuolation of the cytoplasm of Schwann cells were also detected. Partial improvement was observed in the recovery group. It was concluded that long-term administration of aspartame had a harmful effect on the structure of sciatic nerve and 1 month stoppage of aspartame was not enough to achieve complete recovery.
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Neurobehavioral changes and activation of neurodegenerative apoptosis on long-term consumption of aspartame in the rat brain. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION & INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnim.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Rogers PJ, Hogenkamp PS, de Graaf C, Higgs S, Lluch A, Ness AR, Penfold C, Perry R, Putz P, Yeomans MR, Mela DJ. Does low-energy sweetener consumption affect energy intake and body weight? A systematic review, including meta-analyses, of the evidence from human and animal studies. Int J Obes (Lond) 2015; 40:381-94. [PMID: 26365102 PMCID: PMC4786736 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2015.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
By reducing energy density, low-energy sweeteners (LES) might be expected to reduce energy intake (EI) and body weight (BW). To assess the totality of the evidence testing the null hypothesis that LES exposure (versus sugars or unsweetened alternatives) has no effect on EI or BW, we conducted a systematic review of relevant studies in animals and humans consuming LES with ad libitum access to food energy. In 62 of 90 animal studies exposure to LES did not affect or decreased BW. Of 28 reporting increased BW, 19 compared LES with glucose exposure using a specific ‘learning' paradigm. Twelve prospective cohort studies in humans reported inconsistent associations between LES use and body mass index (−0.002 kg m−2 per year, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.009 to 0.005). Meta-analysis of short-term randomized controlled trials (129 comparisons) showed reduced total EI for LES versus sugar-sweetened food or beverage consumption before an ad libitum meal (−94 kcal, 95% CI −122 to −66), with no difference versus water (−2 kcal, 95% CI −30 to 26). This was consistent with EI results from sustained intervention randomized controlled trials (10 comparisons). Meta-analysis of sustained intervention randomized controlled trials (4 weeks to 40 months) showed that consumption of LES versus sugar led to relatively reduced BW (nine comparisons; −1.35 kg, 95% CI –2.28 to −0.42), and a similar relative reduction in BW versus water (three comparisons; −1.24 kg, 95% CI –2.22 to −0.26). Most animal studies did not mimic LES consumption by humans, and reverse causation may influence the results of prospective cohort studies. The preponderance of evidence from all human randomized controlled trials indicates that LES do not increase EI or BW, whether compared with caloric or non-caloric (for example, water) control conditions. Overall, the balance of evidence indicates that use of LES in place of sugar, in children and adults, leads to reduced EI and BW, and possibly also when compared with water.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Rogers
- School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - P S Hogenkamp
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - C de Graaf
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - S Higgs
- The School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - A Lluch
- Danone Research, Centre Daniel Carasso, RD, Palaiseau Cedex, France
| | - A R Ness
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Unit in Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol and School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol, Level 3, University Hospitals Bristol Education Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - C Penfold
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Unit in Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol and School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol, Level 3, University Hospitals Bristol Education Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - R Perry
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Unit in Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol and School of Oral and Dental Sciences, University of Bristol, Level 3, University Hospitals Bristol Education Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - P Putz
- European Branch, ILSI Europe a.i.s.b.l., Brussels, Belgium
| | - M R Yeomans
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - D J Mela
- Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
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Do TD, Kincannon WM, Bowers MT. Phenylalanine Oligomers and Fibrils: The Mechanism of Assembly and the Importance of Tetramers and Counterions. J Am Chem Soc 2015; 137:10080-3. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b05482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thanh D. Do
- Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
| | - William M. Kincannon
- Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
| | - Michael T. Bowers
- Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, United States
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Martinez-Cordero E, Malacara-Hernandez JM, Martinez-Cordero C. Taste perception in normal and overweight Mexican adults. Appetite 2015; 89:192-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2015.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Abd Elfatah AAM, Ghaly IS, Hanafy SM. Cytotoxic effect of aspartame (diet sweet) on the histological and genetic structures of female albino rats and their offspring. Pak J Biol Sci 2012; 15:904-918. [PMID: 24159687 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2012.904.918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effect of aspartame intake on the histological and genetic structures of mother albino rats and their offspring. Sixty adult female albino rats and 180 of their offspring were equally divided into two groups (control and treated), each group divided into three subgroups. Each subgroup consisted of 10 pregnant rats and 30 of their offspring. The experimental design divided into three periods: (1) the gestation period (subgroup one), (2) the gestation period and three weeks after delivery (subgroup two) and (3) animals in the third subgroup treated as subgroup two then left till the end of the ninth week after delivery. Each pregnant rat in the treated subgroups was given a single daily dose of 1 mL aspartame solution (50.4 mg) by gastric gavage throughout the time intervals of experimental design. At the end of each experimental period for control and treated subgroups, the liver of half of both control and treated groups were subjected for histological study while the liver and bone marrow of the other halves were subjected for cytogenetic studies. Body weight of both groups were recorded individually twice weekly in the morning before offering the diet. The results revealed that the rats and their offspring in the subgroups of control animals showed increases in body weight, normal histological sections, low chromosomal aberration and low DNA fragmentation. The treated animals in the three subgroups rats and their offspring revealed decreases in body weight, high histological lesions, increases in the chromosomal aberration and DNA fragmentation compared with control groups. In conclusion, the consumption of aspartame leads to histopathological lesions in the liver and alterations of the genetic system in the liver and bone marrow of mother albino rats and their offspring. These toxicological changes were directly proportional to the duration of its administration and improved after its withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza A M Abd Elfatah
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Christian B, McConnaughey K, Bethea E, Brantley S, Coffey A, Hammond L, Harrell S, Metcalf K, Muehlenbein D, Spruill W, Brinson L, McConnaughey M. Chronic aspartame affects T-maze performance, brain cholinergic receptors and Na+,K+-ATPase in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2004; 78:121-7. [PMID: 15159141 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2003] [Revised: 02/24/2004] [Accepted: 02/28/2004] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study demonstrated that chronic aspartame consumption in rats can lead to altered T-maze performance and increased muscarinic cholinergic receptor densities in certain brain regions. Control and treated rats were trained in a T-maze to a particular side and then periodically tested to see how well they retained the learned response. Rats that had received aspartame (250 mg/kg/day) in the drinking water for 3 or 4 months showed a significant increase in time to reach the reward in the T-maze, suggesting a possible effect on memory due to the artificial sweetener. Using [(3)H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) (1 nM) to label muscarinic cholinergic receptors and atropine (10(-6) M) to determine nonspecific binding in whole-brain preparations, aspartame-treated rats showed a 31% increase in receptor numbers when compared to controls. In aspartame-treated rats, there was a significant increase in muscarinic receptor densities in the frontal cortex, midcortex, posterior cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and cerebellum of 80%, 60%, 61%, 65%, 66% and 60%, respectively. The midbrain was the only area where preparations from aspartame-treated rats showed a significant increase in Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity. It can be concluded from these data that long-term consumption of aspartame can affect T-maze performance in rats and alter receptor densities or enzymes in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Christian
- Department of Pharmacology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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