Exposure to Sucralose and Its Effects on Testicular Damage and Male Infertility: Insights into Oxidative Stress and Autophagy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The impact of non-nutritive sweeteners on male reproductive health, particularly at the cellular level, remains insufficiently explored. Sucralose's high stability and resistance to degradation during wastewater treatment raises concerns about its long-term environmental and health impacts. Whether sucralose consumption correlates with reduced reproductive hormone levels and testicular damage remains unclear, and the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the influence of sucralose on cell damage and reproductive health in male. METHODS The male mouse Leydig cell line TM3 and Sertoli cell line TM4 were used to evaluate sucralose-associated cellular damage. In vitro experiments assessed cell survival rates and the potential disruption of autophagy. Additionally, male SD rats were exposed to sucralose via oral gavage for two months at doses reflecting the acceptable daily intake (ADI) to evaluate sperm viability and reproductive health. RESULTS In vitro experiments demonstrated cells exposed to sucralose had significantly lower cell survival rates. Sucralose exposure significantly reduced cell viability in TM3 and TM4 cells, induced oxidative stress, and disrupted autophagic flux by impairing autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Additionally, sucralose downregulated T1R3 protein expression, suggesting a role for sweet taste receptor signaling in testicular cell regulation. In vivo, chronic oral exposure to sucralose led to decreased sperm viability and dysregulated reproductive function, including altered testicular morphology and suppressed steroidogenesis. DISCUSSION These findings provide new insights into the adverse effects of sucralose on male reproductive physiology, highlighting its role in disrupting autophagy, inducing oxidative stress, and impairing reproductive function. The environmental persistence of sucralose and its potential leakage into wastewater systems present broader implications for public health and ecological stability. This study underscores the importance of carefully evaluating non-nutritive sweeteners in the diet and calls for stricter food safety regulations and wastewater management practices to mitigate potential risks.. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP15919.