JIST

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the antioxidants and hepatic enzymes responses of L-arginine on aspartame-induced oxidative stress in 30 male Wistar rats. Aspartame (1000 mg Kg–1 of body weight) was administered by oral intubation daily for 21 days. Aspartame treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased ferric reducing antioxidant power, total protein, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, catalase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, but decreased superoxide dismutase. Aside from aspartate aminotransferase that was not reduced, L-arginine 20 mg Kg–1was administered alone, and aspartame respectively administered with vitamin C 100 mg Kg–1, L-arginine 20 mg Kg–1 and 40 mg Kg–1, significantly (P < 0.05) decreased ferric reducing antioxidant power, total protein, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, catalase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, but increased superoxide dismutase. These effects induced by aspartame (1000 mg Kg–1) were mitigated by L-arginine irrespective of dose, and in a comparable pattern as a standard antioxidant, vitamin C. Thus, L-arginine significantly mitigated aspartame-induced oxidative stress and impaired hepatic enzymes in the rats. The responses were via probable up-regulated mechanisms in rats' serum antioxidants and hepatic enzymes responses.