Research Links Artificial Sweeteners to Heart Failures

Synopsis

A recent study indicates that our hearts can detect sweeteners, revealing a concerning link between artificial sweeteners like aspartame and heart failure. The research highlights the presence of sweet taste receptors in heart muscle cells, which may influence heart function and contribute to arrhythmias.

Key Takeaways

Hearts possess sweet taste receptors.
Artificial sweeteners can affect heart rhythms.
Higher receptor levels found in heart failure patients.
Potential for new heart failure treatments.
Further research is needed on long-term effects.

New York, Feb 15 (NationPress) Just as our taste buds can detect sweetness, our hearts have the ability to perceive sweeteners, according to a study released on Saturday. This research reveals a connection between artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and heart failure.

The researchers from the University of Chicago discovered that the heart contains "sweet taste" receptors -- TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 -- located on the surface of heart muscle cells.

When these receptors are activated by sweet substances, they can influence the heartbeat and result in irregular heart rhythms.

In their investigation, the team employed aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, to engage these receptors in both human and mouse heart cells. This interaction led to enhanced heart muscle contractions and improved calcium handling, which are essential for maintaining a healthy heartbeat.

The implications of these findings could advance our understanding of heart function and possibly lead to innovative treatments for heart failure.

Micah Yoder, a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago, stated, "After consuming a meal, it has been observed that your heart rate and blood pressure tend to rise."

"Previously, this was attributed to nerve signals. However, we suggest a more direct effect, where a spike in blood sugar after eating binds to sweet taste receptors on heart muscle cells, altering the heartbeat," he continued.

Significantly, the study identified a higher concentration of sweet receptors in the hearts of patients suffering from heart failure, hinting at a potential relationship with the condition. Furthermore, the research may shed light on why excessive consumption of artificially sweetened beverages is associated with arrhythmogenesis, or irregular heart rhythms.

Yoder emphasized that these sweet taste receptors are particularly responsive to artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Moreover, excessive activation of these receptors can lead to arrhythmic behaviors in heart cells.

The research team is advocating for additional studies to thoroughly investigate the long-term effects of stimulating these receptors within the heart and how they might be targeted to enhance heart function in cases of heart failure.

This study will be presented at the 69th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting, taking place from February 15 to 19, 2025, in Los Angeles, US.