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Do steviol glycosides affect the oxidative and genotoxicity parameters in BALB/c mice?
Şemsi Gül Yılmaz1, Aslı Uçar1, Serkan Yılmaz2
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
This study was performed with 40 (20 males, 20 females) BALB/c mice divided into 4 experimental groups and a control group, each consisting of 8 mice (4 males, 4 females). Experimental groups were administered 470, 620, 940, and 1880 mg/kg doses of steviol glycosides, orally, for 4 weeks. The total antioxidants and the oxidant status, paraoxonase-1 enzyme activity, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were analyzed from blood samples. The chromosomal aberrations and cell cycle activities were examined from bone marrow samples. Plasma lipid parameters were not affected by the dose of steviol glycosides, however, the total antioxidants, oxidant status, and paraoxonase-1 enzyme activity were found to be negatively correlated with the doses. A positive correlation was found between the total oxidant status and the dose (r = 0.65) and between the mitotic index and the dose (r = 0.74). The dose of steviol glycosides also increased the percentage of the abnormal cells and the CA/cell dose in a dependent manner (r = 0.74 and 0.76, respectively). The study findings concluded that steviol glycosides slightly increased the oxidative damage, cell cycle activity, and chromosomal aberration frequency. However, we did not evaluate the potential of steviol glycosides as genotoxic and mitogenic agents, and, therefore, further investigations are required. CAS number: 58543-16-1.
Insights
High doses of steviol glycosides in mice showed a slight increase in oxidative damage and chromosomal aberrations. Further research is needed to assess genotoxic and mitogenic potential.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Steviol glycosides are natural sweeteners with increasing consumption.
- Understanding their potential health effects, particularly at higher doses, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of varying doses of steviol glycosides on oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and genotoxicity in BALB/c mice.
Main Methods:
- Mice were orally administered different doses of steviol glycosides (470-1880 mg/kg) for 4 weeks.
- Blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles, total antioxidants, oxidant status, and paraoxonase-1 activity.
- Bone marrow samples were examined for chromosomal aberrations and cell cycle activity.
Main Results:
- Plasma lipid parameters remained unaffected by steviol glycoside doses.
- Increased doses negatively correlated with total antioxidants and paraoxonase-1 activity, but positively with oxidant status.
- A dose-dependent increase in mitotic index, abnormal cells, and chromosomal aberrations per cell was observed.
Conclusions:
- Steviol glycosides, at the tested doses, may induce mild oxidative damage and genotoxic effects.
- Further studies are necessary to fully evaluate steviol glycosides as potential genotoxic and mitogenic agents.
