Spirulina and lipoic acid has been considered as one of the most effective in anti- oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory activity.Aspartame (ASP) is one of the mostwidely used (artificial sweeteners)used in a variety of foods and feeds.This study was conducted to evaluate the possible protective effect of Spirulina and alpha-lipoic acid against aspartame induced oxidative stress and brain damage in rabbits . Forty two Rabbits were classified into 7 equal groups. Group I: (Control group) received no drugs. Group II: rabbits administered with alpha-lipoic acid (100mg/kg b. wt/day). Group III: rabbits received spirulina (1500 mg/kg b. wt/day). Group IV: rabbits received aspartame (250 mg/kg. b. wt/day). Group V: rabbits received aspartame and treated with alpha- lipoic acid. Group VI: rabbits received aspartame and treated with spirulina. Group VII: rabbits received aspartame and treated daily with alpha- lipoic acid and spirulina for 8 weeks. The obtained results showed a significant up-regulation of TNF-α and caspase 3 gene expression level and marked increase in L-MDA and DNA damage that was indicated by an increase in tail length and tail DNA percent in brain tissue of aspartame treated rabbits. However, brain SOD activity andGSH concentration were markedly decreased when compared with control group.Coad ministrationof spirulinaand alpha lipoic acid protect aspartame induced brain damage in rabbits caused a significant improvement of all previous parameters and attenuate DNA changes.
Conclusively, Spirulina and alpha-lipoic acid treatment exerts a protective effect against DNA damage and oxidative stress in Brain ofaspartame through free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory.