Artificial Sweeteners Alter Early Vitelline Vessel Development in Chick Embryo

Abstract

During early embryonic development,  nutrients are transferred to the embryo via vitelline vessels. Disorders that affect  vitelline  vessel  development  lead  to  embryonic  lethality  or  vascular  diseases.  In  recent  years,  the  use  of  artificial sweeteners has increased and become more widespread, however the potential effects of these compounds on embryonic development  remain poorly  understood and controversial. This  study aimed to establish the  effect  of commercial artificial sweeteners on early vitelline vessel development in chick embryos. The commercial artificial sweetener used in this study was a mixture  of aspartame  and acesulfame  k. Fertile chicken  eggs were divided into four groups:  control,  sham, and two treated groups that were injected in the air chamber before incubation with 50mg/kg or 100mg/ kg sweetener by body weight. The eggs were  then incubated under normal incubation  conditions. Embryos  were extracted and photographed on  days  3 and 4  of incubation, then vitelline vessel measurements  were taken (length and width of the vitelline vessels, right and left angles, and number of branches). VEGF concentration within the area vasculosa of 3-day embryos was measured by ELISA. Low- and high- treated embryos showed abnormal vitelline vessel development  at 3 and 4 days post-incubation.  Some vessels were enlarged while  others  displayed  atrophy.  The  pattern  of  branching  was  also  altered  compared  to  controls,  and  some  vessels  had hemorrhage. The concentration of VEGF was lower in the treated groups compared to that observed in the control group. This study revealed an association between artificial sweeteners and abnormal vitelline vessel development. These findings could have broad potential implications for human health, as this study used commercial artificial sweeteners that are commonly available in consumer markets.