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The Effect of Aspartame on the Structure and Function of Prostate and Sperm Parameters in Adult Mice
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R Zare Gashti    , V Jaderi , M Shokrzadeh * |
| 3.Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, I.R.Iran. , mslamuk@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (363 Views) |
Background and Objective: Aspartame is a dipeptide composed of L-phenylalanine methyl ester and L-aspartic acid that is used as an artificial sweetener in diet sodas and chewing gum. It is metabolized in the body to produce phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. The aim of this study was to investigate the negative effects of aspartame on prostate structure and function and sperm parameters in adult mice.
Methods: 24 male mice weighing 20-25 grams and 8-10 weeks old were used in this experimental study, which were obtained from the university research institute. The mice were divided into 4 groups of 6. The four groups included control group, the sham group that received only the solvent aspartame, and the treatment groups that received aspartame at doses of 16 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg trough intraperitoneal injection. After 28 days, surgery was performed and prostate tissue was removed for histopathological changes and blood was removed from the heart for enzymatic studies. Furthermore, to determine sperm health factors, the epididymis was isolated and sperm count, motility, and structural health were examined.
Findings: Aspartame at doses of 16 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg caused a significant decrease in serum biomarkers of LH hormone (6.34±0.07 and 5.14±0.05) compared to the control group (9.27±0.07) (p<0.001). FSH hormone (4.34±0.04 and 3.21±0.07) significantly decreased compared to the control group (6.48±0.04) (p<0.001). Testosterone (4.36±0.05 and 3.22±0.06) also significantly decreased compared to the control group (6.08±0.04) (p<0.001). In addition, serum PSA levels (6.66±0.07 and 11.99±0.27) significantly increased compared to the control group (0.52±0.03) (p<0.001). Aspartame also negatively affected sperm parameters (count, motility, and structural integrity) and caused histopathological damage to prostate tissue.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the destructive and dose-dependent effects of aspartame on mouse prostate tissue. |
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| Keywords: Aspartame, Prostate Tissue, Histopathology, Serum Hormones, PSA Enzyme and Sperm Parameters. |
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Full-Text [PDF 565 kb]
(63 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Pharmacology, Toxicology
Received: 2024/08/26 | Accepted: 2024/11/30 | Published: 2025/11/23
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