Aspartame inhibits migration of human intestinal epithelial cells

The migratory and proliferative capabilities of the epithelial cell on the surface of gastro‐intestinal (GI) tract are important for wound healing. As aspartame is one of the most common artificial sweeteners in use in a variety of food products, knowledge regarding its effect on the wound healing behaviors of epithelial cells in the GI tract is of interest. The present study has revealed for the first time that aspartame at non‐toxic concentrations significantly inhibited intestinal epithelial cell migration determined by both wound healing and Boyden chamber cell migration assays, while it had no effect on the proliferation of the cells. Furthermore, the number of lamellipodia per cell significantly reduced in aspartame‐treated cells. In terms of molecular mechanisms, the study found that aspartame suppressed the cellular levels of the migration regulatory proteins namely, integrins, activated FAK, activated Akt, Cav‐1, RhoA‐GTP, and Rac1‐GTP. Altogether, the study reports that aspartame may affect intestinal wound healing capability through suppression of cell migration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Aspartame is an artificial sweetener widely used in various food products. Although many studies regarding the toxicity of aspartame have been conducted, the effects of aspartame on intestinal epithelial cell migration and proliferation have not been much investigated. The results of the present study indicate that aspartame has a significant inhibitory effect on intestinal epithelial cell migration with well‐defined underlying mechanisms. The present study provides additional molecular mechanistic information of this substance on epithelial cells and may serve to trigger further investigations that could lead to cautionary recommendations in the use of aspartame in those suffering GI ulcers or other high‐risk populations.