Background: Exosomes are endogenous nanovesicles that cooperate key roles in intercellular signaling by bearing functional genetic information and proteins between cells. Exosomes speedily cross the blood-brain barrier and have indicated as therapeutic approach vehicles that have the potential to specifically deliver molecules to the central nervous system (CNS). Aspartame (ASP) is applied in many products. ASP has been interconnected to cause neurological and behavioral changes such as headache, insomnia, and seizures.
Aim: Aim of this study was to determine the potential role of exosomes on cerebellar changes caused by aspartame (ASP).
Materials and Methods: Thirty five adult male albin0 rats were divided into three gr0ups. The first group served as the c0ntrol group. In the second group, the rats were given ASP orally at a d0se of 250 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. In the third group, the rats were given ASP as group II plus exosomes in a d0se of 100 mg/kg intravenously/twice per week. At the end of the 6th week of the experiment cerebellar specimens were appr0priated for histological and immuno-histochemical studies.
Results: In the ASP‑treated group, dis0rganization of the three layers of the cerebellar c0rtex was observed. Spaces were seen between the cells. Small pykn0tic nuclei of Purkinje cells and deformed cells were also detected . Furthermore, there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) of GFAP, COX-2 and caspase-3 immune expression compared with control group. Ex0somes in conjunction with ASP resulted in impr0vement in the organization of cellular layers of the cerebellar c0rtex with a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.01) of GFAP, COX-2 and caspase-3 immune expressi0n compared with group II.
Conclusion: Exosomes ameli0rates the neuropathol0gical changes caused by aspartame on the structure of the cerebellar cortex of albin0 rats.