Genotoxicity of aspartame

Drug Chem Toxicol. 2004 Aug;27(3):257-68. doi: 10.1081/dct-120037506.

Abstract

In the present study, the genotoxic effects of the low-calorie sweetener aspartame (ASP), which is a dipeptide derivative, was investigated using chromosome aberration (CA) test, sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test, micronucleus test in human lymphocytes and also Ames/Salmonella/ microsome test. ASP induced CAs at all concentrations (500, 1000 and 2000 microg/ml) and treatment periods (24 and 48 h) dose-dependently, while it did not induce SCEs. On the other hand, ASP decreased the replication index (RI) only at the highest concentration for 48 h treatment period. However, ASP decreased the mitotic index (MI) at all concentrations and treatment periods dose-dependently. In addition, ASP induced micronuclei at the highest concentrations only. This induction was also dose-dependent for 48 hours treatment period. ASP was not mutagenic for Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains in the absence and presence of S9 mix.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aspartame / toxicity*
  • Chromosome Aberrations / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Micronucleus Tests
  • Microsomes, Liver / drug effects
  • Mutagenicity Tests
  • Mutagens*
  • Rats
  • Salmonella / drug effects
  • Salmonella / genetics
  • Sister Chromatid Exchange / drug effects
  • Subcellular Fractions / drug effects
  • Subcellular Fractions / metabolism
  • Sweetening Agents / toxicity*

Substances

  • Mutagens
  • Sweetening Agents
  • Aspartame