A recent study published in the Cell Press journal Cell Metabolism has found a potential link between artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, and increased risks of cardiovascular disease. Researchers discovered that aspartame triggers insulin spikes in animals, leading to blood vessel inflammation and the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.
The study, led by Yihai Cao at Karolinska Institute in Sweden, fed mice with a diet containing 0.15% aspartame for 12 weeks. The results showed that aspartame-fed mice developed larger and more fatty plaques in their arteries, exhibited higher levels of inflammation, and had elevated insulin levels.
The researchers found that the sweetness-detecting receptors in the mouse’s mouth and intestines were tricked into releasing more insulin by the artificial sweetener. This insulin surge then fueled the growth of fatty plaques in the mice’s arteries.
The study identified an immune signal called CX3CL1, which played a key role in aspartame’s effects on blood vessel health. When CX3CL1 receptors were eliminated from one of the immune cells in aspartame-fed mice, the harmful plaque buildup didn’t occur.
Cao and his team plan to verify their findings in humans and consider CX3CL1 as a potential target for chronic conditions beyond cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the need for further research on the long-term health impact of artificial sweeteners.
Source: https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/common-artificial-sweetener-can-damage-the-hearts-of-mice