Can Aspartame Induce Reversible Cerebellar Changes?

Abstract Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener that is unlikely to have a negative impact on the cerebellar cortex. The current study was designed to evaluate the histopathological changes in the cerebellar cortex of aspartame-treated albino rats and the possibility of recovery from aspartame induced cerebellar injury. Three groups of six mature male albino rats, totaling 18, were allocated. Daily doses of distilled water were given to the control group. Group 2 (ASP group): received 250 mg/kg ASP by oral rote for 12 weeks. Group3 (Recovery) received 250 mg/kg/day aspartame for eight weeks, then a daily dosage of distilled water equal to the aspartame dose for the next 6 weeks. The rats were anesthetized, and their cerebella were dissected for immunohistochemical and histological studies. Studies in morphometry and statistics were carried out. Nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed in the cerebellum tissue. When compared to the control group, there was a very significant rise in MDA and NO levels and a reduction in GSH levels in the aspartame group. MDA and NO levels were decreased associated with a significant increase in GSH level compared to the aspartame group in the recovery group. Cerebellar cortex of aspartame group showed features of neurodegeneration, and apoptosis. The latter features were decreased in the recovery group. In conclusion, aspartame consumption has reversible deleterious effect on cerebellar cortex.