Study of Histomorphometry Correlation and Liver Function with Bcl2, Bax, Caspase 3 and P53 Genes Expression Following Aspartam-Induced in Mice

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the histomorphometric correlation and liver function in relation to Bcl2, Bax, Caspase 3, and P53 gene expression following aspartame-induced changes in adult mice.

Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, 36 adult male NMRI mice were divided into one control group and three experimental groups. Mice in the experimental groups received 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg aspartame orally, daily for 90 days, while the control group received 0.3 ml of distilled water. One day after treatment, blood and histology samples were collected to evaluate biochemical, histomorphometric, and gene expression parameters in the liver.

Results: The results showed that the amount of hepatocyte diameter, hepatocyte nucleus diameter, necrosis, vacuolization, and pyknosis of the nucleus as well as the levels of liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin increased following aspartame-induced. This increase was significant in some groups (P<0.05). In addition, a significant reduction in sinusoidal space size was observed in all experimental groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the expression of apoptosis-dependent genes due to aspartame administration, it was observed that expression of Bax, Caspase-3 and p53 genes was significant in the experimental groups compared to the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Our research revealed that aspartame metabolite-induced free radicals in the liver, causing damage and functional decline, directly correlate with the upregulation of genes involved in cellular apoptosis.