Aspartame-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

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• To assess the safety of aspartame, the effects of it on apoptosis were investigated.
• Aspartame induced apoptosis in the PC12 cells as depending on dose of aspartame.
• The expression of caspases 8 and 9, and cytochrome c was increased by exposed with aspartame to the cells.
• It was concluded that two pathways of apoptosis induced by aspartame were presented.

Aspartame is an artificial sweetner added to many low-calorie foods. The safety of aspartame remains controversial even though there are many studies on its risks. In this study, to understand the physiological effects of trace amounts of artificial sweetners on cells, the effects of aspartame on apoptosis were investigated using a PC12 cell system. In addition, the mechanism of apoptosis induced by aspartame in PC12 cells and effects on apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c, apoptosis-inducing factor, and caspase family proteins were studied by Western blotting and RT-PCR.Aspartame-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, aspartame exposure increased the expressions of caspases 8 and 9, and cytochrome c. These results indicate that aspartame induces apoptosis mainly via mitochondrial pathway involved in apoptosis due to oxigen toxicity.