Behavioural and biochemical effects of one-week exposure to aflatoxin B1 and aspartame in male Wistar rats

Abstract

Food products are susceptible to contamination by mycotoxins, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) stands as the most toxic among them. AFB1 intoxication results in distinct signs, including widespread systemic toxicity. Aspartame (ASP) is an artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in many products, and compelling evidence indicates ASP can be toxic. Interestingly, mechanisms underlying ASP and AFB1 toxicity involve oxidative stress. In this context, concomitant use of ASP and AFB1 in a meal may predispose to currently unidentified behavioural and biochemical changes. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of AFB1 (250 μg/kg, intragastrically (i.g.)) and/or ASP (75 mg/kg, i.g.) exposure for 7 days on behavioural and biochemical markers of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. AFB1 and/or ASP increased hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity when compared to controls. In the kidneys, increased GST activity was detected in AFB1 and AFB1+ASP groups. In addition, AFB1 and or ASP elicited behavioural changes in the open field, marble burying and splash tests, however no additive effects were detected. Altogether, present data suggest AFB1 and ASP predispose to anxiety- and obsessive-compulsive-like symptoms, as well as to enzymatic defence system imbalance in liver and kidney of Wistar rats.