Protective Effect of Spirulina platensis against Aspartame Induced Oxidative Stress and Molecular Gene Brain damage in New-Zealand rabbits

Abstract

Spirulina and alpha-lipoic acid have been considered as one of the most effective in antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory activity. Aspartame (ASP) is one of the most widely used (artificial sweeteners) used in a variety of foods and feeds. This study was conducted to evaluate the possible protective effect of Spirulina and alpha-lipoic acid against aspartame induced oxidative stress and brain damage in rabbits. Forty two white male New-Zealand Rabbits were classified into seven equal groups. Group I: (Control group) received no drugs. Group II: rabbits administered with aspartame (250 mg/kg b. wt/day). Group III: rabbits received alphalipoic acid (100 mg/kg b. wt/day). Group IV: rabbits received Spirulina platensis (1500 mg/kg. b. wt/day). Group V: rabbits received aspartame (250 mg /kg b. wt) and treated with alphalipoic acid (100 mg/kg b. wt). Group VI: rabbits received aspartame (250 mg mg/kg b.wt) and treated with Spirulina platensis (1500 mg/kg b. wt). Group VII: rabbits received aspartame (250 mg mg/kg b.wt) and treated daily with alpha-lipoic acid (100 mg/kg b. wt) and Spirulina platensis (1500 mg/kg b. wt) for 8 weeks. At the end of experiment brain tissue was isolated and analyzed for determination of L-malondialdehyde (L-MDA), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in addition to anti-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-10 (IL-10), Activator Protein-1 (AP-1), Bax gene expression and DNA damage. The obtained results showed a significant up-regulation of AP-1, Bax gene expression level and a significant down-regulation of IL-10 and marked increase in L-MDA and DNA damage that was indicated by an increase in tail length and tail DNA percent in brain tissue of aspartame treated rabbits. However, brain CAT activity and GSH concentration were significantly decreased when compared with control group. Co-administration ofSpirulina and alpha-lipoic acid protected aspartame induced brain damage in rabbits via a significant improvement of all previous parameters and attenuate DNA changes. Conclusively, Spirulina platensis and alpha-lipoic acid exert a protective effect against DNA damage and oxidative stress in aspartame induced brain through free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities as well as regenerating endogenous antioxidants defense system mechanisms.