Toxopathological and Cytogenetic Effects of Commercial Sweetener Aspartame after Chronic Oral Administration in Rat Pups

Abstract

Objective: This study was done to evaluate the potential toxic effect of aspartame (APS) artificial sweetener

after chronic oral administration in rat pups as a model for children that consumption high quantities of

different types of sweets and juices from the peddler, regularly and daily.

Methods: Twenty-four rat pups were divided equally into three groups. Therapeutic dose group (T1) and

double dose group(T2) received 0.08, 0.16 g/kg. body weight(BW), respectively, while control group (C)

received distilled water orally for 90 (d)days.

Results: The result of present study revealed that there was an increased consumption of food, water and

arising nervous signs(aggressive) in T1 and T2 groups comparing with control. The cytogenetic study

includes the mitotic index and blast index showing a substantial decline relative to the control one in

both treated groups. While the blast index showed a significant reduction(P<0.05) in T2 relative to T1

and the control group. No chromosomal aberration observed in all groups exposed to aspartame. Different

histopathological lesions were recorded in the liver of T1 group represented by inflammatory cell (neutrophil

& mononuclear cell) aggregation around the blood vessels. While noted in a double dose group (0.16g/

kg.bw), a granulomatous lesion with mild change in fat is shown.

Conclusion: Used daily for lengthy periods ASP has cytogenetic and pathological risks.