Effect of aspartame on biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in rat blood

2015
Authors:
Prokić, Marko
Paunović, Milica G.
Matić, Miloš M.
Đorđević, Nataša Z.
Ognjanović, Branka I.
Štajn, Andraš Š.
Saičić, Zorica

Document Type:
Article (Published version)
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract:
Aspartame (ASP) is one of the most widely used nonnutritive sweeteners.
This study investigates the chronic effects of ASP on hematological and
biochemical parameters, and its effects on the oxidative/antioxidative
status in the red blood cells of Wistar albino rats. Rats were provided
with ASP (40 mg/kg/daily for six weeks) in drinking water. Increased
food and fluid intake was observed in the ASP-treated rats. Total body
mass was significantly decreased in the ASP-treated rats. Treatment with
ASP caused an increase in the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol,
LDL-cholesterol, and in the activities of alanine aminotransferase
(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),
as well as a decrease in the levels of HDL-cholesterol in the serum. A
significant decline in the number of white blood cells (WBC) was
observed after ASP uptake. Based on the results we conclude that ASP
induces oxidative stress, observed as an alteration of the glutathione
redox status, which leads to increased concentrations of nitric oxide
(NO) and lipid peroxides (LPO) in the red blood cells. Changes in
biochemical parameters, lipid metabolism, as well as changes in the
levels of oxidative stress markers and the appearance of signs of liver
damage indicate that chronic use of ASP can lead to the development of
hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and associated diseases.
Keywords:
Aspartame; hematological parameters; biochemical parameters; oxidative stress; appetiteSource:
Archives of Biological Sciences, 2015, 67, 2, 535-545Funding / projects:
DOI: 10.2298/ABS141009016P
ISSN: 1821-4339