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.