Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2025

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy
Published on: December 7, 2017
Sweetener aspartame aggravates atherosclerosis through insulin-triggered inflammation
Weijie Wu1, Wenhai Sui1, Sizhe Chen1
1State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Shandong Province, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering, Karolinska Institute, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Consumption of artificial sweeteners (ASWs) in various foods and beverages has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, molecular mechanisms underlying ASW-associated CVD remain unknown. Here, we show that consumption of 0.15% aspartame (APM) markedly increased insulin secretion in mice and monkeys. Bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) obliterated APM-elevated blood insulin levels, demonstrating crucial roles of parasympathetic activation in regulation of insulin secretion. Incessant APM feeding of ApoE-/- mice aggravated atherosclerotic plaque formation and growth via an insulin-dependent mechanism. Implantation of an insulin-slow-release pump in ApoE-/- mice exacerbated atherosclerosis. Whole-genome expression profiling discovered that CX3CL1 chemokine was the most upregulated gene in the insulin-stimulated arterial endothelial cells. Specific deletion of a CX3CL1 receptor, Cx3cr1 gene, in monocytes/macrophages completely abrogated the APM-exacerbated atherosclerosis. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism of APM-associated atherosclerosis and therapeutic targeting of the endothelial CX3CL1-macrophage CX3CR1 signaling axis provides an approach for treating atherosclerotic CVD.
More Related Videos
07:36Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Published on: September 26, 2018
08:32Studying the Hypothalamic Insulin Signal to Peripheral Glucose Intolerance with a Continuous Drug Infusion System into the Mouse Brain
Published on: January 4, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...