EXPRESSION OF ZINC FINGER Y-CHROMOSOMAL PROTEIN(ZFY) GENE IN ASPARTAME

ABSTRACT

Aspartame is a commonly used artificial sweetener in a variety of food and beverage products. Concerns have been raised regarding its potential effects on reproductive health. The ZFY gene, also known as the zinc finger Y-chromosomal protein, is a gene located on the human Y chromosome. It encodes a transcription factor protein that plays a role in the development of male reproductive organs and sexual differentiation. A total of 31 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five as follows:control group (Group A) received 0.5ml distilled water,40mg/kg of Aspartame (Group B), 80mg/kg of Aspartame (Group C), 160mg/kg of Aspartame (Group D) and 320mg/kg of Aspartame (Group E). The rats were administered the aspartame via gavage for a period of 75 days. Following the experimental period, RNA was extracted from the testes of rats from all groups, and the expression of the ZFY gene was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results in this study a dose dependent decrease was observed significantly in the total sperm count as the dose of aspartame increased.There was no significant difference in the non progressive sperm motility and testoterone concentration, also there was no significant difference in the organ ( testis )- Body weght ratio. Sperm morphology showed abnormality of sperm as dose increased. Histomorphology reviewed areas of spermatogenic arrest and epididymal depletion of spermotoziod population in higher doses of aspartame In conclusion, long term consumption of aspartame higher than the acceptable daily intake (40mg/kg) may induce a dose dependent toxicity in male reproductive system.