Search Results (162)

This study investigates a combined advanced oxidation process (AOP) utilizing UVA-LED irradiation (365 nm) for the degradation of sucralose (SUC), a complex artificial sweetener that poses a challenge for wastewater treatment due to its resistance to conventional methods. A sequential treatment strategy was employed. The initial step utilized UVA-activated persulfate (PS) at varying dosages (0.12–0.5 g/L) and UVA fluence rate (ranging from 20 to 100% of nominal output). The influence of natural water components (bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate) on PS activation was systematically analyzed. Notably, the substantial pH decrease during oxidation opened the possibility of replacing an amount of PS with the less expensive and more environmentally friendly hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the subsequent Fenton reaction. This second step employed a stoichiometric dosage of H₂O₂ (2.12 g/g COD) and varying Fe²⁺ concentrations (0.05–0.2 g/L), achieving a 95% overall mineralization within 60 min. The combined process incurred an approximate cost of 2.5€ per m³. This research contributes to the development of more effective and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment strategies for emerging contaminants. Full article

Artificial sweeteners have emerged as contaminants of increasing concern due to their widespread consumption, environmental persistence, and resistance to conventional wastewater treatment. This review provides an integrated assessment of global research trends and the environmental behavior of major artificial sweeteners, including sucralose, acesulfame potassium, saccharin, and aspartame. Bibliometric analysis of SCOPUS-indexed publications reveals rapid growth in research since 2010, with key themes focusing on environmental occurrence, treatment technologies, and ecotoxicological effects. These compounds are frequently detected in wastewater effluents, surface waters, groundwater, and even drinking water systems, driven by their high solubility and limited biodegradability. Their persistence raises concerns regarding ecological impacts, including potential alterations to microbial communities and aquatic organisms. In addition, emerging evidence suggests potential human health implications, including gut microbiota disruption, metabolic effects, and risks associated with chronic low-dose exposure, although these remain poorly understood. The performance of existing treatment technologies, including biological processes, adsorption, advanced oxidation, and membrane filtration, is critically evaluated, highlighting limitations in complete removal and in the formation of transformation products. Future research should prioritize sustainable treatment strategies, comprehensive risk assessment, and improved monitoring frameworks to better address both environmental and human health risks associated with artificial sweeteners. Full article

Sucralose is one of the most widely used non-nutritive sweeteners and has long been considered metabolically inert and safe within established acceptable daily intake levels. However, emerging evidence suggests that chronic exposure to sucralose may alter gut microbial composition, epithelial barrier function, mucosal inflammation, and immune responses. This review examines current experimental and clinical evidence on the effects of sucralose on the gut–immune axis, with particular attention to its potential implications for colitis and colorectal cancer (CRC). Preclinical studies indicate that sucralose may reduce beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa, alter microbial metabolic pathways, disrupt epithelial barrier-related molecules, and promote inflammatory and immune changes associated with colitis severity and inflammation-driven tumorigenesis. Experimental evidence also suggests that sucralose may impair CD8⁺ T-cell fitness and reduce responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors through microbiome-dependent mechanisms involving altered arginine and citrulline metabolism. Human studies further indicate that sucralose can modify gut and oral microbiome composition and influence metabolic responses, although these effects appear heterogeneous and context-dependent. Overall, the current literature suggests that sucralose may act as a modifier of microbiome–immune interactions in susceptible settings, but most mechanistic evidence remains preclinical, and human data are still insufficient to establish causality. These findings highlight the need for prospective studies to determine whether sucralose-associated microbial and immune alterations translate into clinically meaningful effects in colitis, CRC, and immunotherapy response. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined relationships between diet quality, as determined using three a priori-defined dietary patterns (Healthy Eating Index of 2010 dietary guidelines [HEI-2010], Mediterranean Dietary Pattern [MDP], and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH]), intestinal permeability, and features of the gut microbiota in a diverse, obese sample. Methods: This was a post hoc, cross-sectional study including 103 healthy, obese individuals (43.8 ± 11.3 years, BMI: 37.5 ± 6.1 kg/m², 64.1% African American). Dietary intake was assessed using the Vioscreen food frequency questionnaire. Intestinal permeability was assessed via urinary sugar excretion and microbiota features were characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Relationships between dietary pattern adherence, intestinal permeability, and gut microbiota were assessed using correlation coefficients and a general linear model. Results: Higher dietary pattern scores correlated with lower levels of intestinal permeability measures such as 24 h urinary sucralose (HEI-2010: r = −0.33, p = 0.002; MDP: r = −0.31, p = 0.004; DASH: r = −0.38, p < 0.0001) and 24 h sucralose-to-lactulose ratio (HEI-2010: r = −0.23, p = 0.03; MDP: r = −0.32, p = 0.003; DASH: r = −0.24, p = 0.03). Fruit intake consistently correlated with lower intestinal permeability measures (p < 0.05) across all three dietary patterns. Higher DASH scores correlated with lower Proteobacteria (r = −0.28, p = 0.004) and higher Verrucomicrobia (r = 0.30, p = 0.002) phylum abundance. Conclusions: The current results suggest a potential role for diet quality in promoting intestinal health. Full article

Sweetener consumption has increased considerably in recent decades, driven by the growing demand from consumers of low-calorie products for weight control and, especially, from diabetic patients who require safe sweetener alternatives without affecting their glucose levels. However, the latest scientific evidence seems to indicate that the continued consumption of various sweeteners could significantly alter the gut microbiota, triggering consequences that go beyond metabolic health and could affect sleep quality. Among the most used non-caloric sweeteners in the food industry are sucralose and saccharin. Several studies have shown that prolonged consumption of these sweeteners can significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiota. In particular, its consumption might lead to a decrease in beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, along with an increase in potentially pathogenic microorganisms such as Clostridium difficile and Escherichia coli. This dysbiosis creates a chronic low-grade inflammatory environment and contributes to the deterioration of glucose metabolism, factors that negatively impact the regulation of the gut–brain axis. Consequently, these alterations could interfere with the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in sleep, promoting the development of disorders such as insomnia, sleep fragmentation, and decreased subjective sleep quality. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize the current scientific evidence on the impact of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiota and their potential involvement in sleep disorders. The underlying biological mechanisms will be analyzed and the clinical relevance of these interactions discussed, laying the groundwork for future research that will contribute to the development of dietary recommendations and therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the microbiota to improve sleep health. Full article

Excessive sugar consumption has emerged as a significant public health concern, leading to growing interest in non-caloric, high-intensity sweeteners (HIS) as alternatives to conventional sugars. Cherry tomatoes, although inherently rich in lycopene, vitamin C, organic acids, and other health-promoting metabolites, are nonetheless perceived as insufficiently sweet by some consumers, particularly younger ones. Hence, sweeter fresh tomato options such as “stevia tomato” have recently gained popularity in Korea. Despite this trend, the effects of infusing HIS into fresh tomatoes on postharvest quality attributes, physiological responses, and sensory perception remain largely unexplored. To address this gap, this study investigated the effects of vacuum infusion of four HIS (glucosyl steviol glycosides (GSG), sucralose (SUC), acesulfame potassium (ACE), and sodium saccharin (SAC)) on the postharvest quality and ripening behavior of ‘TY Nonari’ cherry tomatoes. Fruits were infused under vacuum (0.2 bar, 23 °C) and analyzed for firmness, weight loss, ethylene production and respiration rates, colorimetric attributes, physico-chemical properties (TSS, TA, pH, TSS/TA), sensory quality, and microstructural characteristics using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Sweetener type significantly influenced tomato performance after vacuum infusion. GSG- and SAC-treated tomatoes exhibited the most rapid softening, with firmness decreasing from 10.25 to 5.66 N and from 9.97 to 5.53 N, respectively, by day 4. In contrast, ACE-treated fruit retained the highest firmness, decreasing from 9.62 to 7.89 N, followed by SUC, which declined from 10.00 to 6.67 N. Weight loss was also the highest in GSG (9.59%) and ACE (7.32%), whereas SUC (2.97%) and SAC (2.36%) showed markedly better water retention. Microstructural analysis corroborated these results: SAC-treated tomatoes exhibited severe cell wall degradation, with thickness decreasing from 8.22 to 4.24 μm, while GSG-treated fruit showed noticeable thinning from 8.33 to 6.39 μm. ACE maintained the thickest cell wall, decreasing from 8.83 to 7.19 μm, with SUC displaying intermediate preservation from 8.43 to 6.63 μm. Overall, ACE was the most effective treatment for preserving sensory quality, micro-structural integrity, and physicochemical attributes. These findings provide a scientific basis for selecting appropriate HIS to develop low-sugar, high-quality fruit products tailored to evolving consumer preferences. Full article

The use of sweeteners in e-cigarette liquids has become increasingly common, aiming to enhance the sensory appeal of vaping products. Compounds like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose are added to provide a sweet taste without any calories, especially in flavored e-liquids popular among younger users. However, recent studies suggest that these additives may pose significant health risks when vaporized and inhaled. Sucralose, in particular, can break down into potentially harmful chlorinated by-products at high temperatures typical of vaping devices. Moreover, there is growing concern about the synergistic effects of sweeteners like sucralose, one sweetener with another and when combined with other e-liquid components. It has been observed that the presence of sucralose may amplify oxidative stress; genotoxicity, including mutations; and overall toxicity, along with environmental impact. This is not limited to nicotine- and smoke-related harm, as it may strengthen the toxic effect of the substances used in e-liquids that are not present in traditional cigarettes. The combined exposure to these heated compounds can intensify cytotoxicity, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological effects over time. While marketed as safer alternatives to tobacco, e-cigarettes containing sweeteners like sucralose may introduce new and poorly understood toxicological hazards that deserve urgent regulatory attention. Full article

Objectives: To assess gastrointestinal permeability (GP) in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) using a segment-specific sugar probe approach to assess gastric, small intestinal, and colonic permeability, and to determine whether GP alterations are associated with disease activity. Methods: This prospective study included 30 children with JIA and 22 healthy controls who underwent a validated multi-sugar absorption test. Urinary excretion of sucrose, lactulose, mannitol, and sucralose was measured to evaluate gastric, small intestinal, and colonic permeability. All JIA patients had discontinued immunosuppressive therapy for at least three months before testing. None had a relapse of the disease. Disease activity was assessed using the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS10). Comparisons were conducted between patients and controls and between remission and active disease groups. Results: None of the participants reported gastrointestinal manifestations. The lactulose/mannitol (LA/MA) ratio, a global index of small intestinal permeability, showed no significant difference between JIA patients and controls, suggesting preserved overall barrier function. However, urinary excretion of lactulose, mannitol, and sucralose was significantly higher in JIA patients, while sucrose excretion was significantly lower, indicating segment-specific alterations in small intestinal, colonic, and gastric permeability. These abnormalities were consistently present, even in patients in clinical remission. No statistically significant differences were observed between remission and active disease groups, though a trend toward increased permeability was noted in the latter. Conclusions: Children with JIA exhibit segmental GP alterations that persist independently of clinical disease activity. Despite the relatively small population, this exploratory study suggests subclinical mucosal dysfunction and the need for further investigation into how the gut–joint axis may be playing a role in JIA pathogenesis, including via intestinal microbiota. Full article

This study explores the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, ozonation (O₃), granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, and their combinations (UV/GAC, O₃/GAC) in removing selected pharmaceuticals and common wastewater micropollutants under controlled laboratory-scale conditions. Eight target compounds—candesartan, irbesartan, valsartan, metoprolol, diclofenac, metformin, sucralose, and caffeine—were identified and quantified in real wastewater samples collected from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Ozonation proved to be the most effective standalone method, achieving complete removal (100%) of five pharmaceuticals and partial removal of sucralose (~60%) and metformin (~17%). The combined O₃/GAC treatment further enhanced overall removal efficiency. In contrast, UV irradiation alone showed limited effectiveness. Importantly, all substances except metformin were fully removed by at least one of the tested methods. These findings underscore the potential of advanced and hybrid treatment technologies—validated here at the laboratory scale—for improving pharmaceutical removal from wastewater and mitigating their environmental impact. Full article

Unlike sucrose, sucralose is a non-cariogenic artificial sweetener, commonly included in dental care products such as chewing gums, toothpastes, and mouth rinses to enhance palatability for consumers. While its non-cariogenic action is well established, there is limited evidence regarding the potential anti-cariogenic mechanisms of sucralose. This study investigated whether sucralose interferes with QS involved in oral bacterial biofilm formation. A representative LuxR-type QS regulator, LasR, was expressed in the presence of sucralose and/or its native ligand, N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL). The expressed protein was purified using nickel-affinity chromatography and quantified by the Bradford assay. The findings reveal that sucralose significantly inhibits AHL-dependent signaling, presumably by disrupting receptor–ligand interactions. These results provide insights into a possible molecular mechanism underlying the anti-cariogenic action of sucralose, highlighting its potential as a functional additive in oral health formulations. Full article

The environmental persistence of sucralose (SUC), a recalcitrant artificial sweetener, has raised significant ecological concerns owing to its notable resistance to both thermal and biological degradation. This study focused on the eight major river basins in Zhejiang Province and used the LC-MS/MS external standard method to systematically detect the environmental occurrence of SUC. Significant spatial variations were observed. The highest concentration recorded in the river was 6.60 μg/L in the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. In contrast, the Ou River showed almost no detectable concentration. Higher contamination levels were consistently found in urban-adjacent areas, particularly near Hangzhou metropolitan region. Distinct seasonal patterns were also identified, with peak concentrations occurring during summer months. Through the application of the seasonal Kendall trend analysis, an increasing trend was projected for seven of the eight river systems studied, with the Ou River being the sole exception. Furthermore, the accuracy of the model’s prediction results was verified by comparing the data from the 2024 experimental tests with the model’s predicted results. By comparing the data from the experimental tests in 2024 with the model’s predictions, the results showed that, except for the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the relative deviations of the other rivers were all less than 5.00%. This indicates that the model had a high accuracy in predicting the changing trend of concentrations. This study provided fundamental data for understanding sucralose’s environmental behavior in the Yangtze River Delta watersheds, serving as a critical baseline data for ecological risk assessments and contributing to water resource sustainability. And the ecological or toxicological implications of SUC pollution require further study. Furthermore, this study developed a transferable methodological framework for monitoring artificial sweetener contamination across diverse aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Background: FDA-approved artificial sweeteners (ASs) are widely used in food products due to their low-calorie content and high sweetness. However, growing evidence links them to adverse metabolic effects, including stroke and coronary heart disease. The musculoskeletal system, as a key metabolic target organ, has gradually gained attention, but the potential impact of ASs on its health remains unclear. Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the effects of ASs on bone and muscle, explore the underlying biological mechanisms and provide guidance for future research. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science using relevant keywords from inception to 25 June 2025. Studies written in English, available in full text, and investigating FDA-approved ASs in relation to the musculoskeletal system were included. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the eligible studies. The findings were summarized using a narrative synthesis approach. Results: A total of 15 studies (12 preclinical, 3 clinical), covering aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and saccharin were included from an initial pool of 662 articles identified across PubMed (168), Embase (368), and Web of Science (126). Among them, twelve studies focused on skeletal effects, four on muscles, and two on joints; three studies reported multiple outcomes. No studies investigated ligaments or tendons. Conclusions: Based on our search, this review provides a narrative synthesis of the available evidence on ASs influencing skeletal structure, development, biomechanical strength, and skeletal muscle metabolism. Potential mechanisms involve gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and signaling pathways such as SIRT1/FOXO3a and PGC-1α/UCP3. Further research is warranted to clarify these mechanisms and to assess the chronic health effects of long-term AS exposure on the musculoskeletal system in human populations. Full article

Background: Artificial sweeteners, widely used as non-nutritive sugar substitutes, are increasingly prevalent in ultra-processed products. Although promoted for weight management due to their minimal caloric content, their impact on systemic inflammation remains uncertain. This systematic review of animal studies aims to evaluate the association between artificial sweetener consumption and inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted up to May 2025 across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251084004). Risk of bias was assessed using the ARRIVE guidelines and SCYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. Results: Thirty-seven animal studies were included: aspartame (n = 17), sucralose (n = 16), acesulfame potassium (n = 5), and saccharin (n = 4). Protocols varied in terms of dosage, exposure duration, animal models, and assessment of inflammatory outcomes, including C-reactive protein, interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Aspartame and sucralose could elevate inflammatory markers, with sucralose also disrupting gut integrity and microbiota. Acesulfame K and saccharin showed variable, dose-dependent effects. Conclusions: This systematic review of animal studies suggests a possible mechanistic association between the consumption of certain artificial sweeteners and systemic inflammation. However, this relationship remains to be clarified and warrants exploration through well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials. Full article

Sucralose, a persistent and widely used artificial sweetener, has emerged as a significant contaminant in aquatic environments, raising concerns about its ecological and physiological effects on aquatic species. This study investigates the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of sucralose on the muscle quality of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), a bioindicator species. Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), sucralose was quantified in water and fish muscle tissues, revealing its persistence and bioaccumulation. Sucralose exposure disrupted critical physicochemical, textural, and structural properties of fish muscle. Protein carbonyl content increased up to 10-fold, while lipid peroxidation levels rose significantly, indicating oxidative stress. Sulfhydryl groups were reduced by more than 40%, and water-holding capacity decreased by 12%, compromising muscle functionality. Textural profile analysis revealed alterations in hardness, cohesiveness, and elasticity, linked to covalent bond formation induced by protein oxidation. Furthermore, electrophoretic analysis confirmed myosin degradation, underscoring sucralose’s role as a pro-oxidant, even at low concentrations. These findings demonstrate that sucralose can adversely affect aquatic organisms by impairing muscle integrity, with potential consequences for their survival, ecological roles, and food web dynamics. This study underscores the urgent need to regulate and monitor artificial sweeteners in aquatic systems to mitigate long-term ecological impacts. Full article

Background: Sweet taste adaptation, the decline in perceived sweetness with repeated exposure, may influence dietary behavior and differs across sweeteners. Low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) such as sucralose strongly activate the T1R2+T1R3 receptor and are generally associated with greater adaptation than sugars, although this effect can be reduced with sweetener blends. Aim: We investigated whether habitual LCS consumption affects sweet taste perception and whether blending sucralose with small amounts of sugars attenuates adaptation using sensory tests in humans and in vivo calcium imaging in a rodent model. Methods: In study 1, habitual (HC; n = 39) and non-habitual (NHC; n = 42) LCS consumers rate sweetness of sucralose (0.6 mM), glucose (800 mM), fructose (475 mM), and blends with low glucose (111 mM) or fructose (45 mM) across repeated trials (1–10) using a generalized labeled magnitude scale. In study 2, a microfluidic-based intravital tongue imaging system was used to assess in vivo responses to sweet adaptation in genetically modified C57BL/6 mice (n = 8) expressing a calcium indicator in type II/III cells of taste buds. Results: Habitual LCS use was not associated with differences in sweetness perception or adaptation (all p-values > 0.6). Sucralose alone produced stronger adaptation than when blended with sugars in both humans (p-values < 0.002) and mice (p < 0.001). Glucose and fructose alone showed adaptation (relative decrease reached on final trial compared to the first trial: −27% ± 4% for glucose, −38% ± 5% for fructose, both p-values < 0.002) but to a lower degree compared with sucralose (−66% ± 5%). Conclusions: Sweetener composition, rather than habitual LCS use, drives sweet taste adaptation. Blending sucralose with small amounts of sugars reduces adaptation at both perceptual and cellular levels, providing mechanistic insights relevant to the formulation of LCS products. Full article