EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ASPARTAME ON LIVER FUNCTION AND OXIDATVIE STRESS BIOMARKERS IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT Introduction; Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, but concerns about its potential health effects, particularly on liver function and oxidative stress, remain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of aspartame on oxidative stress markers and liver function in female Wistar rats. Method; Twenty rats were divided into four groups: Control, ASP 50 mg/kg, ASP 100 mg/kg, and SUGAR 100 mg/kg. Biomarkers analyzed included malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Result; The results showed a significant increase in MDA levels in aspartame-treated groups, particularly at 50 mg/kg, indicating oxidative stress. GSH levels were significantly reduced in the ASP 50 mg group but increased at 100 mg/kg, suggesting a possible compensatory antioxidant response. ALT and ALP levels were elevated in aspartame and sugar-treated groups, indicating potential hepatotoxicity and bile duct dysfunction. However, AST levels did not show significant changes across groups. Conclusion; The findings suggest that aspartame consumption may induce oxidative stress and liver dysfunction, especially at lower doses. Further research is recommended to assess the long-term effects of aspartame on liver health and explore potential antioxidant interventions. Keywords: Aspartame, oxidative stress, liver function, malondialdehyde, glutathione,Wistar rats, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase