Effect of Long Term-Administration of Aspartame on Sperm Quality, Testosterone and Oxidant Parameters in Mice

Introduction: Aspartame is the most famous and widely used artificial sweetener which is extensively used in food stuffs. Many controversial reports are presented on the toxisity of aspartame on different body tissues; nonetheles, little data is available about the the side effects of Aspartame on the reproductive system. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of aspartame on sperm quality and oxidant parameters in mice.   Materials & Methods: This study wsa carried out on 36 adult male NMRI which were randomly assigned into four groups of nine mice. The three experimental groups received Aspartam with the doses of 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg, by oral gavage for 90 days. The control group was considered as well. The blood samples were collected from the heart 24 hours after the last treatment and sperm quality parameters including, count, motility, viability, chromatin condensation, abnormality, and DNA damage were evaluated.   Findings: The results indicated a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and testosterone, as well as a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) in 80 and 160 mg/kg groups, compared to the control group (P<0.01). Aspartame reception decreased the number, motility, viability and maturation of the sperms (P<0.001) and increased abnormality and DNA damage to sperm in 80 and 160 mg/kg groups, compared to the control group (P<0.001).   Discussion & Conclusions: The findings of the present study revealed that aspartame consumption could lead to decreased sperm quality and negative changes in oxidant parameters.