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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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Pandaram A, Paul J, Wankhar W, Thakur A, Verma S, Vasudevan K, Wankhar D, Kammala AK, Sharma P, Jaganathan R, Iyaswamy A, Rajan R. Aspartame Causes Developmental Defects and Teratogenicity in Zebra Fish Embryo: Role of Impaired SIRT1/FOXO3a Axis in Neuron Cells. Biomedicines 2024; 12:855. [PMID: 38672209 PMCID: PMC11048232 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, is present in many food products and beverages worldwide. It has been linked to potential neurotoxicity and developmental defects. However, its teratogenic effect on embryonic development and the underlying potential mechanisms need to be elucidated. We investigated the concentration- and time-dependent effects of aspartame on zebrafish development and teratogenicity. We focused on the role of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Forkhead-box transcription factor (FOXO), two proteins that play key roles in neurodevelopment. It was found that aspartame exposure reduced the formation of larvae and the development of cartilage in zebrafish. It also delayed post-fertilization development by altering the head length and locomotor behavior of zebrafish. RNA-sequencing-based DEG analysis showed that SIRT1 and FOXO3a are involved in neurodevelopment. In silico and in vitro analyses showed that aspartame could target and reduce the expression of SIRT1 and FOXO3a proteins in neuron cells. Additionally, aspartame triggered the reduction of autophagy flux by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of SIRT1 in neuronal cells. The findings suggest that aspartame can cause developmental defects and teratogenicity in zebrafish embryos and reduce autophagy by impairing the SIRT1/FOXO3a axis in neuron cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athiram Pandaram
- Department of Physiology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai 600113, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyakumari Paul
- Department of Physiology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai 600113, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Wankupar Wankhar
- Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati 781026, Assam, India
| | - Abhimanyu Thakur
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Sakshi Verma
- Department of Pharmacy, Usha Martin University, Ranchi 835103, Jharkhand, India
| | - Karthick Vasudevan
- Department of Biotechnology, REVA University, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Dapkupar Wankhar
- Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati 781026, Assam, India
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Priyanshu Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ravindran Jaganathan
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh 30450, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Ashok Iyaswamy
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson’s Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Department of Biochemistry, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ravindran Rajan
- Department of Physiology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai 600113, Tamil Nadu, India
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Rosa ÉVF, Da Silveira AR, Sari MHM, Sampaio TB, Dos Santos JT, Müller SG, Fighera MR, Royes LFF, Nogueira CW, Oliveira MS, Furian AF. Beta-caryophyllene mitigates the cognitive impairment caused by repeated exposure to aspartame in rats: Putative role of BDNF-TrKB signaling pathway and acetylcholinesterase activity. Behav Brain Res 2023; 453:114615. [PMID: 37558167 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114615] [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] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Aspartame (ASP) is a common sweetener, but studies show it can harm the nervous system, causing learning and memory deficits. β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural compound found in foods, including bread, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and spices, has already described as a neuroprotector agent. Remarkably, ASP and BCP are commonly consumed, including in the same meal. Therefore, considering that (a) the BCP displays plenty of beneficial effects; (b) the ASP toxicity; and (c) that they can be consumed in the same meal, this study sought to investigate if the BCP would mitigate the memory impairment induced by ASP in rats and investigate the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/ tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrKB) signaling pathway and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Young male Wistar rats received ASP (75 mg/kg; i.g.) and/or BCP (100 mg/kg; i.p.) once daily, for 14 days. At the end of the treatment, the animals were evaluated in the open field and object recognition tests. The cerebral cortex and hippocampus samples were collected for biochemical and molecular analyses. Results showed that the BCP effectively protected against the cognitive damage caused by ASP in short and long-term memories. In addition, BCP mitigated the increase in AChE activity caused by ASP. Molecular insights revealed augmented BDNF and TrKB levels in the hippocampus of rats treated with BCP, indicating greater activation of this pathway. In conclusion, BCP protected against ASP-induced memory impairment. AChE activity and the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway seem to be potential targets of BCP modulatory role in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Rosa Da Silveira
- Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Tuane Bazanella Sampaio
- Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Sabrina Grendene Müller
- Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Michele Rechia Fighera
- Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Freire Royes
- Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristina Wayne Nogueira
- Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Flávia Furian
- Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Program in Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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4
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Fowler SP, Gimeno Ruiz de Porras D, Swartz MD, Stigler Granados P, Heilbrun LP, Palmer RF. Daily Early-Life Exposures to Diet Soda and Aspartame Are Associated with Autism in Males: A Case-Control Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:3772. [PMID: 37686804 PMCID: PMC10490529 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its introduction, aspartame-the leading sweetener in U.S. diet sodas (DS)-has been reported to cause neurological problems in some users. In prospective studies, the offspring of mothers who consumed diet sodas/beverages (DSB) daily during pregnancy experienced increased health problems. We hypothesized that gestational/early-life exposure to ≥1 DS/day (DSearly) or equivalent aspartame (ASPearly: ≥177 mg/day) increases autism risk. The case-control Autism Tooth Fairy Study obtained retrospective dietary recalls for DSB and aspartame consumption during pregnancy/breastfeeding from the mothers of 235 offspring with autism spectrum disorder (ASD: cases) and 121 neurotypically developing offspring (controls). The exposure odds ratios (ORs) for DSearly and ASPearly were computed for autism, ASD, and the non-regressive conditions of each. Among males, the DSearly odds were tripled for autism (OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.02, 9.7) and non-regressive autism (OR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 11.1); the ASPearly odds were even higher: OR = 3.4 (95% CI: 1.1, 10.4) and 3.7 (95% CI: 1.2, 11.8), respectively (p < 0.05 for each). The ORs for non-regressive ASD in males were almost tripled but were not statistically significant: DSearly OR = 2.7 (95% CI: 0.9, 8.4); ASPearly OR = 2.9 (95% CI: 0.9, 8.8). No statistically significant associations were found in females. Our findings contribute to the growing literature raising concerns about potential offspring harm from maternal DSB/aspartame intake in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Parten Fowler
- Department of Medicine, Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health in San Antonio, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7411 John Smith Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
- Center for Research in Occupational Health, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael D. Swartz
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Paula Stigler Granados
- Divisions of Environmental Health and Global Health, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA;
| | - Lynne Parsons Heilbrun
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health in San Antonio, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7411 John Smith Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Raymond F. Palmer
- Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine, Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
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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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Griebsch LV, Theiss EL, Janitschke D, Erhardt VKJ, Erhardt T, Haas EC, Kuppler KN, Radermacher J, Walzer O, Lauer AA, Matschke V, Hartmann T, Grimm MOW, Grimm HS. Aspartame and Its Metabolites Cause Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial and Lipid Alterations in SH-SY5Y Cells. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061467. [PMID: 36986196 PMCID: PMC10053704 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to a worldwide increase in obesity and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, synthetic sweeteners such as aspartame are frequently used to substitute sugar in the diet. Possible uncertainties regarding aspartame's ability to induce oxidative stress, amongst others, has led to the recommendation of a daily maximum dose of 40 to 50 mg per kg. To date, little is known about the effects of this non-nutritive sweetener on cellular lipid homeostasis, which, besides elevated oxidative stress, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, treatment of the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y with aspartame (271.7 µM) or its three metabolites (aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol (271.7 µM)), generated after digestion of aspartame in the human intestinal tract, resulted in significantly elevated oxidative stress associated with mitochondrial damage, which was illustrated with reduced cardiolipin levels, increased gene expression of SOD1/2, PINK1, and FIS1, and an increase in APF fluorescence. In addition, treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with aspartame or aspartame metabolites led to a significant increase in triacylglycerides and phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines, accompanied by an accumulation of lipid droplets inside neuronal cells. Due to these lipid-mediating properties, the use of aspartame as a sugar substitute should be reconsidered and the effects of aspartame on the brain metabolism should be addressed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tobias Erhardt
- Physical Therapy, Campus Karlsruhe, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 76185 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Walzer
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Anna Andrea Lauer
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
- Nutrition Therapy and Counseling, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Tobias Hartmann
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
- Deutsches Institut für DemenzPrävention, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Otto Walter Grimm
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
- Nutrition Therapy and Counseling, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
- Deutsches Institut für DemenzPrävention, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Heike Sabine Grimm
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
- Nutrition Therapy and Counseling, Campus Rheinland, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 51377 Leverkusen, Germany
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Moriconi E, Feraco A, Marzolla V, Infante M, Lombardo M, Fabbri A, Caprio M. Neuroendocrine and Metabolic Effects of Low-Calorie and Non-Calorie Sweeteners. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:444. [PMID: 32765425 PMCID: PMC7378387 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since excessive sugar consumption has been related to the development of chronic metabolic diseases prevalent in the western world, the use of sweeteners has gradually increased worldwide over the last few years. Although low- and non-calorie sweeteners may represent a valuable tool to reduce calorie intake and prevent weight gain, studies investigating the safety and efficacy of these compounds in the short- and long-term period are scarce and controversial. Therefore, future studies will need to elucidate the potential beneficial and/or detrimental effects of different types of sweeteners on metabolic health (energy balance, appetite, body weight, cardiometabolic risk factors) in healthy subjects and patients with diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. In this regard, the impact of different sweeteners on central nervous system, gut hormones and gut microbiota is important, given the strong implications that changes in such systems may have for human health. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current evidence for the neuroendocrine and metabolic effects of sweeteners, as well as their impact on gut microbiota. Finally, we briefly discuss the advantages of the use of sweeteners in the context of very-low calorie ketogenic diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Moriconi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Feraco
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Marzolla
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Infante
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Systems Medicine, CTO A. Alesini Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Lombardo
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Fabbri
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Systems Medicine, CTO A. Alesini Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caprio
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
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Souto N, Dassi M, Braga A, Rosa E, Fighera M, Royes L, Oliveira M, Furian A. Behavioural and biochemical effects of one-week exposure to aflatoxin B1 and aspartame in male Wistar rats. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2019. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2018.2424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Food products are susceptible to contamination by mycotoxins, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) stands as the most toxic among them. AFB1 intoxication results in distinct signs, including widespread systemic toxicity. Aspartame (ASP) is an artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in many products, and compelling evidence indicates ASP can be toxic. Interestingly, mechanisms underlying ASP and AFB1 toxicity involve oxidative stress. In this context, concomitant use of ASP and AFB1 in a meal may predispose to currently unidentified behavioural and biochemical changes. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of AFB1 (250 μg/kg, intragastrically (i.g.)) and/or ASP (75 mg/kg, i.g.) exposure for 7 days on behavioural and biochemical markers of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. AFB1 and/or ASP increased hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity when compared to controls. In the kidneys, increased GST activity was detected in AFB1 and AFB1+ASP groups. In addition, AFB1 and or ASP elicited behavioural changes in the open field, marble burying and splash tests, however no additive effects were detected. Altogether, present data suggest AFB1 and ASP predispose to anxiety- and obsessive-compulsive-like symptoms, as well as to enzymatic defence system imbalance in liver and kidney of Wistar rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- N.S. Souto
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia dos Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Prédio 43, Sala 4217, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - M. Dassi
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia dos Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Prédio 43, Sala 4217, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - A.C.M. Braga
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - E.V.F. Rosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - M.R. Fighera
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - L.F.F. Royes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - M.S. Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - A.F. Furian
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia dos Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Prédio 43, Sala 4217, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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9
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Solis-Medina A, Martínez-Magaña JJ, Quintanar-Jurado V, Gallegos-Silva I, Juárez-Rojop IE, Tovilla-Zárate CA, Díaz-Zagoya JC, Hernández-Díaz Y, González-Castro TB, López-Narváez ML, Genis-Mendoza AD, Nicolini H. Astrogliosis and decreased neural viability as consequences of early consumption of aspartame and acesulfame potassium in male Wistar rats. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:2031-2038. [PMID: 30264280 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0310-7] [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: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Artificial sweeteners are mainly used as substitutes for sucrose derivates. In this study, we analyzed if the chronic consumption of aspartame or acesulfame potassium at an early age, produces histological alterations, astrogliosis and decreased neuronal viability, in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hypothalamus of male Wistar rats. A histological analysis was performed on male Wistar rats that consumed aspartame or acesulfame potassium during 90 days, initiating the consumption of sweeteners immediately after weaning. The evaluation of neuronal morphology in different areas of the brain was performed with hematoxylin - eosin staining. To measure astrogliosis and neuronal viability, we used the immunohistochemical technique, with the glial fibrillary acidic protein immunomodulators (GFAP) and with neuronal-specific enolase (NSE). The consumption of aspartame or acesulfame potassium promoted morphological changes of neurons including increased pyknotic nuclei and vacuolization in all the brain areas studied. In hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hypothalamus, astrogliosis and reduction of neural viability were observed in sweeteners consumers in comparison with the control group. Chronic consumption of ASP and ACK from early stages of development and during long periods, may promote neural modifications, astrogliosis and decrease neuronal viability in prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anayelly Solis-Medina
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Valeria Quintanar-Jurado
- Laboratorio de Histología y Microscopía LHiM, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ileana Gallegos-Silva
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Isela E Juárez-Rojop
- División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Juan C Díaz-Zagoya
- División de Investigación, Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Yazmín Hernández-Díaz
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Thelma Beatriz González-Castro
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, Mexico
| | | | - Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
- Servicios de Atención Psiquiátrica, Secretaría de Salud, Periférico Sur 4809, Arenal Tepepan, Tlalpan, 14610, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Humberto Nicolini
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Servicios de Atención Psiquiátrica, Secretaría de Salud, Periférico Sur 4809, Arenal Tepepan, Tlalpan, 14610, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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A. Al-Eisa R, Z. Hamza R, E. Mehana A, S. El-Shen N. The Influence of L-carnitine on Aspartame Toxicity in Kidney of Male Rats. INT J PHARMACOL 2018. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2018.1118.1127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Effect of developmental NMDAR antagonism with CGP 39551 on aspartame-induced hypothalamic and adrenal gene expression. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194416. [PMID: 29561882 PMCID: PMC5862471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Aspartame (L-aspartyl phenylalanine methyl ester) is a non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) approved for use in more than 6000 dietary products and pharmaceuticals consumed by the general public including adults and children, pregnant and nursing mothers. However a recent prospective study reported a doubling of the risk of being overweight amongst 1-year old children whose mothers consumed NNS-sweetened beverages daily during pregnancy. We have previously shown that chronic aspartame (ASP) exposure commencing in utero may detrimentally affect adulthood adiposity status, glucose metabolism and aspects of behavior and spatial cognition, and that this can be modulated by developmental N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) blockade with the competitive antagonist CGP 39551 (CGP). Since glucose homeostasis and certain aspects of behavior and locomotion are regulated in part by the NMDAR-rich hypothalamus, which is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal- (HPA) axis, we have elected to examine changes in hypothalamic and adrenal gene expression in response to ASP exposure in the presence or absence of developmental NMDAR antagonism with CGP, using Affymetrix microarray analysis. Results Using 2-factor ANOVA we identified 189 ASP-responsive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the adult male hypothalamus and 2188 in the adrenals, and a further 23 hypothalamic and 232 adrenal genes significantly regulated by developmental treatment with CGP alone. ASP exposure robustly elevated the expression of a network of genes involved in hypothalamic neurosteroidogenesis, together with cell stress and inflammatory genes, consistent with previous reports of aspartame-induced CNS stress and oxidative damage. These genes were not differentially expressed in ASP mice with CGP antagonism. In the adrenal glands of ASP-exposed mice, GABA and Glutamate receptor subunit genes were amongst those most highly upregulated. Developmental NMDAR antagonism alone had less effect on adulthood gene expression and affected mainly hypothalamic neurogenesis and adrenal steroid metabolism. Combined ASP + CGP treatment mainly upregulated genes involved in adrenal drug and cholesterol metabolism. Conclusion ASP exposure increased the expression of functional networks of genes involved in hypothalamic neurosteroidogenesis and adrenal catecholamine synthesis, patterns of expression which were not present in ASP-exposed mice with developmental NMDAR antagonism.
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Treatment of Human Placental Choriocarcinoma Cells with Formaldehyde and Benzene Induced Growth and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition via Induction of an Antioxidant Effect. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14080854. [PMID: 28758930 PMCID: PMC5580558 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14080854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoke (CS) causes about 480,000 deaths each year worldwide, and it is well-known to have harmful effects on the human body, leading to heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and cardiovascular problems. In this study, the effects of formaldehyde (FA) and benzene (Bz), the main components of CS, on cell proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of JEG-3 human choriocarcinoma cells were examined to confirm the relationship between CS components and placenta carcinoma. Upon MTT assay, FA (10−8 M to 10−5 M) and Bz (10−11 M to 10−8 M) increased JEG-3 cell proliferation. Western blot assay revealed that the protein expression of cyclin D1 and E1 increased, while the levels of p21 and p27 were reduced following treatment. In Scratch assay, FA (10−8 M and 10−5 M) and Bz (10−11 M and 10−8 M) increased migration of JEG-3 cells at 24 h and 48 h compared with that at 0 h. In addition, the expression of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, was significantly decreased, while the expression of the mesenchymal marker, N-cadherin, was significantly increased by FA (10−8 M and 10−5 M) and Bz (10−11 M and 10−8 M). snail and slug transcriptional factors were associated with EMT, which were also up-regulated by FA and Bz, indicating that FA and Bz lead to an increase in the EMT process in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells. We further evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of antioxidant effect using dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) and Western blot assay. FA and Bz increased the ROS production and an antioxidant related marker, Nrf2, in JEG-3 cells. However, eIF2α levels were reduced by FA and Bz via activation of the antioxidant reaction. Taken together, these results indicated that FA and Bz induce the growth and migration of human choriocarcinoma cells via regulation of the cell cycle and EMT and activation of ROS and antioxidant related markers.
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