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Effects of Aspartame on Prostate Structure, Function, 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: (41 Views) |
Background and Objective: Aspartame is a dipeptide methyl ester of L-phenylalanine and L-aspartic acid that is found as a synthetic sweetener in diet sodas and chewing gum. When metabolized in the body, it produces phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aspartame on the structure and function of the prostate and sperm parameters in adult mice.
Methods: This experimental study involved 24 male mice, aged 8-10 weeks and obtained from the university's research lab. The mice were divided into four groups, with six mice in each group, weighing between 20 and 25 grams. The groups included a control group, a sham group that received only the solvent aspartame, and two treatment groups that received aspartame via intraperitoneal injection at doses of 16 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg. After 21 days, surgery was performed, prostate tissue was removed to examine histopathological changes, and blood was removed from the heart for enzymatic studies. In addition, to determine sperm health factors, the epididymis was isolated, and sperm count, motility, and structural health were also examined.
Findings: Aspartame at doses of 16 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg significantly decreased serum biomarkers of LH (6.34±0.07) and (5.14±0.05) compared to the control group (9.27±0.07) (p<0.001). FSH (4.34±0.04) and (3.21±0.07) compared to the control group (6.48±0.04) (p<0.001). Testosterone (4.36±0.05) and (3.22±0.06) compared to the control group (6.08±0.04) (p<0.001). In addition, serum levels of PSA (6.66±0.07) and (11.99±0.27) were significantly increased compared to the control group (0.52±0.03). Aspartame also negatively affected sperm parameters (count, motility, and structural integrity) and caused histopathological damage to prostate tissue.
Conclusion: The study's results indicate dose-dependent and harmful effects of aspartame on the prostate tissue of mice. |
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| Keywords: Aspartame, Prostate Tissue, Histopathology, Serum Hormones, PSA Enzyme and Sperm Parameters. |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Pharmacology, Toxicology
Received: 2024/08/26 | Accepted: 2024/11/30
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