Sweeteners modulate bioactivity of endothelial progenitor cells but not induce detrimental effects both on inflammation and behavioural changes

Abstract

This study sought to determine the possible detrimental effects of several low- or non-caloric sweeteners on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), inflammation and behavioural changes in mice. C57BL/6 male mice received low and high dose of natural and artificial sweeteners for 4 weeks. EPCs, physical and biochemical variables, inflammation and behavioural changes were evaluated. A significant reduction of about 25% of EPCs was found when mice received a moderate amount of all sweeteners (p < .05). This reduction was more strongly significant when a double dose of glucose, aspartame, rebaudioside A and cyclamate (p < .005) in comparison to fructose and sucrose (p < .05) was administered. During inflammation carrageenan-induced, all sweeteners produced a significant increase of EPCs compared to the control group (p < .05). Consumption of glucose and sugar substitutes affect mouse EPC number according to the absence or presence of an inflammatory status, but does not induce detrimental effects on inflammation and behavioural changes.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Behavioural tests
• C57BL/6 male mice
• endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)
• glucose
• rebaudioside A
• sweeteners

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by “Ricerca Corrente 2013-15” Grants from Italian Ministry of Health. Behavioural studies were supported by Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale (PRIN) - Research Italy cod. 20153NBRS3.