الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The artificial sweetener aspartame, renowned for its low-calorie content, is widely used in diverse diets, notably among children and teenagers who favor sugar-free products containing aspartame. Despite its extensive use in various consumables, commercial distribution lacks explicit warnings or recommended intake limits. This study aimed to investigate the clastogenic, cytotoxic, genotoxic and histopathological effects of aspartame on male albino mice Mus musculus. Fifty mice (CD-1) were categorized into five groups and orally treated with different doses of aspartame (250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg body weight) one per day for 30 days. chromosomal aberration analysis in bone marrow cells revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations in mice treated with aspartame compared to the control group, displaying a dose-dependent manner. Notably, centromeric attenuation, deletion, and centric fusion exhibited higher prevalence. Micronucleus assay results indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) in mice treated with aspartame, highlighting its genotoxic effects. The cytotoxicity test demonstrated a highly significant (p < 0.001) increase in cytotoxicity (PCEs/NCEs ratio) in bone marrow cells, emphasizing adverse impacts. Comet assay findings showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in comet parameters and testicular cell genotoxicity in mice treated with aspartame in comparison to the corresponding control. Notably, the highest dose (1000 mg/kg b.wt.)
exhibited a more pronounced genotoxic effect, inducing DNA fragmentation in testicular cells. Histological examination unveiled significant alterations in seminiferous tubules and interstitial spaces in mice treated with aspartame. Atrophy, vacuolation, exfoliated germ cells, germinal epithelium hypoplasia and spermatogenic arrest were observed in seminiferous tubules, while intertubular changes involved congested blood vessels and interstitial edema. In conclusion, the consumption of aspartame induced clastogenic, cytotoxic, genotoxic in the bone marrow and testes and histopathological effects in testes of male albino mice. Therefore, the intake of aspartame should be monitored under medical supervision along with natural antioxidants. Additionally, immediate regulatory actions are necessary to review safety guidelines and establish restrictions to reduce the potential risks of aspartame to genetic health and reproductive well- being linked to its widespread consumption.
Key words: Aspartame, Artificial sweetener, Mice, chromosomes, DNA, Testicular histology.