ABSTRACT
Aspartame is a dipeptide derivative (l-aspartyl l-phenylalanine methyl ester) low-calorie, artificial sweetener and one of the most popular sugar substitutes in low-calorie food and drinks, including diet soda worldwide. it's use has been controversial as it has been associated with several adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, neurologic and behavioral disturbances.The aim of this study is to know the effect of Zero-Sugar Coke and Aspartame on the liver function and liver morphology. Albino wistar rats (37) were divided into five groups.Control group was given 5 ml of distilled water.Group 2 (n=8) were given 5 ml of Concentrated Zero Sugar Coke daily.Group 3 (n=8) were given 5 ml diluted Zero Sugar Coke daily. Group 4 (n=8) were given 5 ml Concentrated Aspartame (45g in 500ml) daily. Group 5 (n=8) were given 5 ml of diluted Aspartame (22.5g in 500ml) daily.The rats were housed in separated plastic cages, cared for in clean, ventilated environments.All rats were left for 2 weeks acclimatization before the start of the experiment which lasted for 10 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, A Midline incision was made through the ventral wall of the rats under mild anaesthesia using chloroform. 5ml of blood was collected from each rat and placed into lithium heparin bottles and was taken immediately for analysis. The liver was harvested, and sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Graphpad prism 8.0 software and .The following paremeters were measured spectrophotometrically: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Albumin and total protein, T.Bilirubin, Globulins and Ind Bilirubin.The results were presented as mean ± SEM. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA), p value less than 0.05 (p<0.05) was considered to be statistically significant. The results showed that there was no significant difference in Alanine aminotransferase and T Bilirubin in all treated group when compared with control. while Aspatate aminotransferanse, Albumin, Globulin, Total protein and Alkaline phosphatase shows a significant increase in concentrated zero-sugar coke and concentrated Aspartame when compared with control. Histological examination of liver tissue revealed that both aspartame and zero-sugar coke caused inflammation and morphological changes in the liver tissue.The control group showed a normal structure in the hepatic tissues which consisted of the central vein and sheets of hepatocytes. Both concentrated and diluted Aspartame groups revealed that the portal triad was infiltrated with mononuclear inflammatory cells, mainly lymphocytes and macrophages. In conclusion, the effect of aspartame and zero-sugar coke on some liver biomarkers,as well as s on liver morphology suggest that their ingestion has negative impact on liver function, such that can lead to complications or disorder in the liver.
