Tag: Taipei Medical University

Male infertility is a global health concern, impacting 8% to 12% of couples and contributing to nearly half of infertility cases worldwide. Male infertility is affected by hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors that impede spermatogenesis and reproductive function. Dietary and lifestyle changes, including the elevated intake of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) and sugar-sweetened beverages, are among these factors implicated in the growing prevalence of infertility.

Sucralose, an NNS, constitutes 30% of the sweetener market in the United States. Although sucralose has antibacterial properties and lower calories, there are emerging concerns about potential health risks and environmental persistence. It is also a persistent contaminant in aquatic systems, with studies revealing its consistent presence throughout the urban water cycle. Notably, the study highlights concerns about sucralose-6-acetate, a genotoxic byproduct of sucralose manufacturing and metabolism, which may exacerbate health and environmental risks. Despite research on NNSs, data on potential links between sucralose and male infertility are limited.

About the study

In the present study, researchers evaluated the effects of sucralose on male reproductive health. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, aged six weeks, were acclimated for a week under controlled conditions and subsequently randomized to one of four experimental groups. Sucralose was administered at 1.5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, 45 mg/kg, or 90 mg/kg for two months.

The controls received deionized water. Body weight was monitored weekly for eight weeks. At the end of the study, animals were euthanized, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Organs such as the liver, spleen, heart, testes, epididymis, and kidneys were harvested for histopathological evaluation.

The cauda epididymis was cut into pieces and briefly maintained in culture medium, and the supernatant was used for sperm motility analysis. Sperm samples were subject to a Western blot analysis to evaluate DNA damage markers. Besides, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and Kisspeptin1 (KISS1).

Chemiluminescence immunoassays were performed to measure serum testosterone, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Further, mouse Sertoli cells (TM4) and Leydig cells (TM3) were treated with varying concentrations of sucralose for 24–72 hours. These cells were subject to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell viability, and Western blot analyses. To assess autophagy-lysosome dysfunction, researchers used Bafilomycin A1, a compound that blocks lysosomal acidification, revealing impaired fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes.

The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test assessed data normality. Non-parametric tests were applied for data violating normality assumptions. A two-way analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the effects of sucralose and exposure duration. Group differences were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test or the Student’s t-test.

Findings

TM3 and TM4 cells exposed to varying sucralose concentrations (1 μM, 10 μM, 100 μM, 1000 μM, and 10,000 μM) had significantly lower cell viability. Cells also showed higher levels of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3B, form II (LC3B-II) at 1000 or 10,000 μM and slightly lower p62 levels. These changes, combined with reduced cathepsin B (a lysosomal enzyme), suggest impaired autophagic degradation. Following sucralose treatment, there was a significantly lower expression of cathepsin B, indicative of impaired lysosomal function.

ROS levels in TM3 and TM4 cells after sucralose exposure at 1 mM, 2.5 mM, 5 mM, 7.5 mM, or 10 mM were significantly higher; sucralose-treated cells also had elevated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) levels, suggesting an increase in oxidative stress. Notably, exposed cells had a reduction in taste receptor type 1 member 3 (T1R3) protein expression.

Moreover, co-treatment with a known T1R3 antagonist (lactisole) repressed T1R3 expression more than sucralose treatment alone. To further examine the relevance of T1R3 modulation, rat pituitary adenoma cells (RC-4B/C) were treated with sucralose, with or without lactisole co-treatment. This revealed a significant reduction in LH levels dose-dependently. Lactisole co-treatment exacerbated this suppression, especially at lower sucralose levels.

SD rats exposed to sucralose showed no differences in body weight, AST or ALT levels, and heart and liver indices between groups. Although the appearance of reproductive organs was not remarkably different, exposed animals had significantly lower epididymis and testis indices. Further, rats showed significant reductions in serum testosterone and LH levels and serum and testicular KISS1 levels. KISS1, a key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, is critical for initiating puberty and maintaining reproductive hormone balance; its suppression may directly contribute to impaired fertility.

Sucralose exposure also reduced protein levels of T1R3 in the testes. Exposed animals had abnormal sperm morphology (with coiled and bent tails) and lower sperm viability. Histological examination of the testes showed changes in the seminiferous epithelium, including severe vacuolization, disrupted germ cell organization, and nuclear condensation.

DNA damage was also observed in sperm, indicative of cellular impairment. The testes of sucralose-exposed animals had higher levels of LC3B and lower levels of p62, suggesting changes in autophagy. Moreover, exposed animals had higher serum and testicular levels of malondialdehyde, indicating increased lipid peroxidation.

Conclusions

Taken together, sucralose exposure adversely affects male reproductive outcomes in rats by inducing oxidative stress, causing DNA damage, and disrupting autophagy. The study notes that in vitro doses (up to 10 mM) likely exceed typical human dietary exposure, warranting caution in extrapolating results to real-world intake levels.

The findings underscore the need for careful evaluation of dietary NNSs and call for better food safety regulations to alleviate potential risks. Additionally, the environmental persistence of sucralose and its byproduct, sucralose-6-acetate, highlights broader ecological concerns.

Further studies are required to examine dose-response relationships, long-term effects, and underlying molecular mechanisms to comprehensively delineate the adverse effects of sucralose.

Look for More Information

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

News: Sucralose disrupts male fertility by damaging sperm and altering hormones in animal study

Further context

This article is a repost from News-Medical, covering a recent study led the research team of Professor Shih-Min Hsia at Taipei Medical University (TMU)’s College of Nutrition. The study investigates the potential effects of sucralose on male reproductive health. The research has also been featured by New York Post and MSN, highlighting the growing international attention to TMU’s contributions to preventive and translational medicine.

• Original study in Environmental Health Perspectives

As dengue fever continues to rise globally, accurate data on disease burden is essential for informed public health planning and resource allocation. A recent study led by Professor Wei-Cheng Lo of Taipei Medical University examines discrepancies between the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) estimates and reported dengue case data in 30 high-burden countries, calling attention to the need for improved methodologies in disease modeling.

Understanding the Gaps in Global Estimates

The study compared GBD’s model-generated dengue estimates with official surveillance data from countries including Brazil, India, Indonesia, China, and Taiwan. The findings revealed substantial differences: in some instances, GBD estimates were several hundred times higher than reported cases. For instance, in China and India, the GBD estimated 570 and 303 times more cases, respectively, than national health data indicated.

In countries like Taiwan and Argentina, where dengue outbreaks vary dramatically by year, GBD figures showed relatively steady trends, potentially overlooking the episodic nature of epidemic spikes.

Modeling Assumptions and Their Limitations

The observed discrepancies are linked to how the GBD constructs its estimates. These models account for underreporting by adjusting data based on known limitations in surveillance systems. However, many of these adjustments rely on data collected before 2010. In locations where diagnostic tools and case reporting have significantly improved in recent years—such as Taiwan—current estimates may not reflect these advancements.

Additionally, the smoothing algorithms used to illustrate long-term trends may downplay sharp increases in case numbers during outbreak years, especially in regions with cyclic epidemic patterns.

Implications for Public Health Policy

Reliable disease estimates are a crnerstone of health policy and planning. When estimates deviate significantly from local data, they can influence policy decisions and funding allocation. This study emphasizes the importance of aligning global modeling with recent,country-specific data to better support public health decision-making.

Recommendations for Improved Disease Burden Modeling

The authors advocate for more frequent updates to global health models and greater integration of real-time surveillance and diagnostic advancements. They also suggest that future models incorporate the cyclical behavior of diseases like dengue to better capture the reality of epidemic patterns.

Broader Considerations

While this research focuses on dengue, it raises important considerations for global disease burden estimation more broadly. Refining modeling approaches across disease areas will support more effective global health strategies and ensure resources are targeted where they are most needed.

Founded by Professor Cheng-Yu Chen of Taipei Medical University (TMU), DeepRad.AI is transforming the future of radiology through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence technologies and medical imaging. With a mission to bridge the gap between clinical practice and AI innovation, the company leverages the expertise of experienced radiologists and AI engineers to enhance diagnostic precision, reduce interpretation time, and improve patient outcomes.

DeepLung-CAC: Dual Screening with a Single LDCT Scan

DeepRad.AI’s flagship product,DeepLung-CAC, is an AI-powered pulmonary-coronary screening platform that utilizes a single low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan to simultaneously assess the risk of pulmonary nodules and coronary artery calcification (CAC). This dual-purpose screening not only improves efficiency but also reduces radiation exposure and costs associated with multiple tests.

The platform is certified by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) and recognized as the first domestically developed AI pulmonary-coronary screening system. One of its standout features is the LungRads module, which incorporates deep learning models for nodule detection, segmentation, and classification, trained on over 6,000 CT cases. Powered by state-of-the-art 3D deep learning, DeepLung-CAC can complete detailed analyses in under one minute.

Professor Chen emphasizes the significance of early detection in improving lung cancer survival rates. While traditional methods often require 25 to 30 minutes of physician review time, DeepLung-CAC reduces interpretation time to just 5 minutes—enabling radiologists to efficiently analyze images and provide quicker diagnoses. The platform also supports multi-disease risk assessment from a single scan, enhancing its
clinical utility.

DeepBrain-Cognito: Personalized Dementia Risk Assessment

Beyond thoracic imaging, DeepRad.AI has also developed DeepBrain-Cognito, a computational model designed for the early detection of cognitive decline. This platform provides personalized risk assessments for populations with suboptimal health, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions. By integrating AI with large-scale brain imaging data, DeepBrain-Cognito enables timely intervention for neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Recognition and Future Directions

In 2024, DeepRad.AI’s innovations were widely recognized. The company received several prestigious awards, including:

• Future Tech Award
• NBRP Pitch Day Outstanding Team Award
• GenAI Stars Quality Innovation Award
• National Pharmaceutical Technology & Research Development Award

These accolades reflect the platform’s strong potential for real-world clinical applications and its role in driving forward Taiwan’s biomedical AI industry. By combining AI with medical expertise, DeepRad.AI continues to push the boundaries of radiology, aiming to create faster, more accurate, and accessible diagnostic tools for global healthcare systems.

The “Smart Innovation Platform for Preclinical Drug Development”, developed by Professor Shiow-Lin Pan’s research team at Taipei Medical University (TMU), leverages advanced AI technology to significantly reduce the time and costs for drug development.

The platform provides a faster, more accurate solution for developing inhibitors targeting severe illnesses such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and integrates AI models to predict chemical compound characteristicsaccurately, enabling rapid identification of effective small molecule inhibitors. To date, the team has successfully developed nearly 30 inhibitors targeting different protein targets, reducing the average development cycle by 3 to 5 years compared to conventional methods.

Core advantages of the platform:

Interdisciplinary AI Model Development: An expert team in chemical synthesis, artificial intelligence, pharmacology, and toxicology collaborated to build and train the AI model. By combining insights from extensive R&D experience, the platform effectively addresses the challenges of designing new drug candidates that are synthesizable, patentable, and biologically active.

1.Novel and Feasible Drug Structures: The smart innovative platform develop a smart synthesis strategy, which ensures AI-designed drug structures have an 80% synthesis probability, 60% cellular efficacy (IC50 < 10 µM), reduced synthesis costs by 90%, and optimized with real-time validation data from the experimental team.

2.The platform’s advantages lie in its ability to rapidly generate novel chemical structures with higher prediction accuracy, which benefits patients worldwide by significantly shortening the time needed for drug development.

Professor Pan highlighted that the Smart Innovation Platform offers high-success-rate, easily synthesizable, rapid, and precise early-stage drug development services and high-potential early-stage drug products for small-molecule development needs. The platform has been adopted by multiple academic research units and biotechnology companies globally, attracting recognition from international pharmaceutical companies.

Looking ahead, TMU’s team aims to enhance the platform’s capabilities and expand collaborations with pharmaceutical industries in Taiwan and globally. By accelerating the drug development process , the team hopes to bring transformative treatments to patients worldwide.

Professor Shih-Min Hsia‘s research team from Taipei Medical University has collaborated with leading uterine leiomyoma experts, Professors Ayman Al-Hendy and Mohamed Ali from the University of Chicago, to investigate the key mechanisms driving uterine leiomyoma formation and propose innovative therapeutic strategies.

The findings, published in the high-impact journal Redox Biology (impact factor 10.7), highlight the importance and academic value of this research.

Uterine leiomyomas, common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, exhibit a high prevalence and significantly affect women’s health and quality of life. These tumors are characterized by excessive cell proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, and stem cell-like properties.

The research team identified that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD⁺) metabolism and its key enzyme, Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT), are pivotal in the progression of uterine leiomyomas.

Analysis of uterine leiomyoma tissues revealed that elevated NAMPT expression is positively correlated with increased ECM accumulation and enhanced stem cell-like characteristics. Subsequent experiments using the NAMPT inhibitor FK866 and the vitamin B3 derivative nicotinamide (NAM) demonstrated that these agents significantly reduced uterine leiomyoma cell viability, attenuated stem cell-like properties, and effectively decreased ECM accumulation, highlighting their potential as therapeutic options. Furthermore, the team successfully obtained a patent in Taiwan for the use of nicotinamide as a treatment for uterine leiomyomas, solidifying the translational and clinical impact of their findings.

This study underscores the critical role of NAMPT and NAD⁺ metabolism in uterine leiomyoma development and emphasizes the promise of precision medicine interventions targeting NAMPT as a novel treatment strategy.

This international collaboration with the University of Chicago exemplifies the power of cross-border partnerships in elucidating complex disease mechanisms and developing innovative therapies, paving the way for new advancements in uterine leiomyoma research and treatment.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the third most common cancer globally, prompting urgent advancements in screening practices to enhance early detection and treatment effectiveness. Conventional population-based screening programs, while effective, often adopt an universal approach, potentially leading to the overuse of medical resources and unnecessary procedures for individuals at lower risk. A study from Taiwan introduces a compelling alternative—tailoring colorectal cancer screening intervals using fecal hemoglobin (f-Hb) concentrations to optimize both efficacy and efficiency.

The need for more personalized screening protocols has become increasingly apparent in recent years, as researchers and clinicians seek to improve patient outcomes while managing healthcare costs effectively. Precision medicine offers a promising path forward, particularly in cancer prevention, where the risk varies significantly from person to person. Utilizing a vast database of over three million participants, this study leads an approach that customizes screening frequency based on biomarkers indicative of an individual’s cancer risk. By aligning screening intervals with personal health data, this method enhances how we approach CRC prevention, making it more targeted and thoughtful in its application.

Conducted using a large-scale dataset from a Taiwanese biennial screening program involving over 3 million participants between 2004 and 2014, this study explores the potential of using fecal hemoglobin concentrations as a marker to personalize the screen-intervals in colorectal cancer screenings. Researchers found that higher f-Hb levels correlate significantly with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and higher mortality rates. By leveraging these insights, the study proposes varying the screening intervals based on individual risk levels indicated by f-Hb concentrations.

The research findings include:

• Participants with higher f-Hb levels are at a greater risk for colorectal neoplasia and cancer mortality, suggesting a need for more frequent screenings.
• Conversely, individuals with lower f-Hb levels may require fewer screenings without compromising the screening’s effectiveness.

Implementing this stratified screening approach could reduce the number of fecal immunological tests (FITs) and colonoscopies by 49% and 28%, respectively, compared to traditional biennial screenings. This reduction minimizes patient inconvenience and discomfort as well as significantly cuts down on healthcare spending and resource use.

The implications of such a precision-based screening strategy extend beyond the realm of colorectal cancer:

• Healthcare Efficiency: Streamlining screening processes ensures that resources are allocated where they are most needed, enhancing overall healthcare efficiency.
• Patient-Centric Care: Personalized screening intervals mean that patients receive care tailored to their specific risk, potentially increasing the effectiveness of screenings and patient compliance.
• Reduction in Over-Screening: By reducing unnecessary procedures, this approach minimizes the psychological and physical strain on patients and decreases the risk of complications from excessive interventions.

While the results are promising, the study underscores the necessity for further research, including randomized trials, to validate the practical benefits of personalized screening intervals across diverse populations. Additionally, combining f-Hb measurements with other biomarkers or risk factors could further refine screening accuracy.

This study demonstrates an evidence-based CRC screening example towards personalized medicine, representing a significant shift in cancer prevention and healthcare. It promises a future where medical interventions are reactive and proactively tailored to individual health profiles.

The study offers an innovative solution to the battle against colorectal cancer. By integrating a simple measure of blood in stool into screening protocols, we can make CRC screening more patient-specific, cost-effective, and, ultimately, life-saving. This approach heralds a new era of personalized medicine, where prevention strategies are as unique as the individuals they aim to protect, ensuring that the right patient receives the proper test at the right time.

In 2023, Dr. Ching-Wen Chang, Assistant Professor of Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, has collaborated with Professor Xin Wei Wang, a Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, and their team members revealed a genetic basis of mitochondrial DNAJA3 in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Their research, published in Hepatology in October 2023, paves the way for understanding the progression from NASH to HCC.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent issue globally. The rise in MAFLD cases can be partly attributed to shifts in disease etiologies, such as those linked to dietary habits. For instance, unhealthy diets are known contributors to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Interestingly, only about 20% of individuals with NAFLD advance to the more severe nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and some of these cases may progress to liver cirrhosis. Those suffering from metabolic syndrome-associated NASH are at an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a factor in the escalating global incidence of HCC.

Their findings suggested that the mitochondrial chaperone Hsp40 DNAJA3 could serve as a potential risk marker for NASH, and its associated signaling pathways might offer new therapeutic opportunities for NASH-related HCC. The collaboration between research teams in Taiwan and the United States culminated in a joint publication, showcasing the power of international collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge. This study shows a significant breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms of NASH transitioning to liver cancer, providing a new insight for future directions in liver cancer prevention and treatment.

* Look into the Research Paper: A Genetic Basis of Mitochondrial DNAJA3 in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The 2024 Commencement Ceremony for the College of Nursing at Taipei Medical University (TMU) was marked by a special celebration, featuring three esteemed winners of the 2024 College of Nursing Outstanding Alumni awards. These accomplished alumni shared their wisdom and experiences with the Class of 2024, offering valuable advice and inspiration as the graduates embark on their professional journeys.

This year, the College of Nursing at TMU has honored three outstanding alumni: President Shu-Fang Vivienne Wu, Dr. Cheryl Chia-Hui Chen, and Ms. Li-Yu Tang.

The awardee in the category of Management is President Wu, a 1995 graduate and the current President of National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the field. Her leadership and innovative approaches have significantly advanced the institution’s stature and operational excellence.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chen, a 1994 graduate and the Director of the School of Nursing at National Taiwan University, has been celebrated for her Academic Achievements. Her prolific research, published in top-tier journals and extensively cited, has made a substantial impact on the academic community and contributed to the advancement of nursing science.

The winner in the category of Social Service is Ms. Tang, a 1982 graduate and a consultant for the Taiwan Alzheimer’s Disease Association, has been acknowledged for her outstanding contributions to dementia care. Her work in advancing dementia care policies and enhancing Taiwan’s international standing in this area has been exemplary, reflecting her dedication and expertise in the field.

In a lively and engaging moderated session, the alumni discussed their personal definitions of success, emphasizing that success is multifaceted and often extends beyond professional achievements. They highlighted the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life, the significance of continuous learning, and the fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on patients’ lives.

The session also delved into the alumni’s experiences with frustration and failure. They candidly shared stories of obstacles they faced throughout their careers, illustrating how these challenges ultimately shaped their paths and contributed to their growth. Their narratives underscored the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the ability to adapt and learn from setbacks.

As a highlight of the discussion, the alumni offered heartfelt advice to the new graduates. They encouraged the Class of 2024 to stay humble, remain curious, and continue learning.

The presence of these distinguished alumni and their invaluable insights added a meaningful dimension to the commencement ceremony, leaving the graduates inspired and ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of their careers. This event not only celebrated the achievements of the graduates but also highlighted TMU College of Nursing’s commitment to fostering excellence. The performance of its graduates and the recognition they receive from employers are key indicators of the university’s success.

In today’s digital age, there has been a noticeable shift in public awareness towards the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. More individuals are carefully examining the internet for information on the nutritional content of the good. However, this increased awareness possibly poses a challenge to people as the easy access to numerous conflicting nutritional advice and unchecked sources on the internet may steer them away from a healthy lifestyle.

Yen Nhi Hoang, from Taipei Medical University, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, investigated the health information accuracy of the handy online AI tool “ChatGPT” with her team members, Jung-Su Chang and Dang Khanh Ngan Ho, among others. They compared the reliability of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 in providing information on calorie and macronutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

The research identified minimal differences between nutritionist and AI estimations of energy, carbohydrate, and fat contents. Notably, there was a significant divis ion in protein estimation. Both chatbots accurately provided energy contents for approximately 35% to 48% of the 222 food items within ±10%, with a caffeine variation of less than 10%. It was observed that ChatGPT-4 outperformed in this aspect.

Their research results showed that AI can undoubtedly be a useful and convenient tool for acquiring energy and macronutrient information. However, limitations include the AI having a knowledge cutoff of September 2021. In an interview with Nutrition Insight, Dr. Jung-Su Chang cautioned about the existence of “AI hallucination.” Depending on different chatroom environments, such as types of input language and clarity of the prompt, AI may provide convincing information that is factually incorrect. Chang also pointed out that it’s hard for average people to tell the reliability of the information the chatbot provided.

“Currently, the capability of AI chatbots to provide personalized dietary advice, such as specific nutrition guidelines and exact portion sizes, is limited.” the research team warned.

Despite this current limitation, AI chatbots could be a handy tool for nutritionists to quickly access nutrition information. Nonetheless, it’s remains challenging for AI chatbots to function independently as nutritionists.

Supported by the National Research Council provided through integrated project funding, Professor Shih-Min Hsia’s research team at the School of Nutrition and Health Sciences of Taipei Medical University has found a potential relationship between long-term exposure to the non-nutritive sweetener acesulfame potassium and uterine hypercontraction, particularly those induced by oxytocin, and reported the discovery in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. In the study, it was demonstrated that an excessive intake of non-nutritive sweeteners containing acesulfame potassium may cause uterine hypercontraction and increase preterm risk, suggesting that pregnant women should avoid long-term consumption of processed foods containing artificial sweeteners.

Along with the development of the food industry, the demand for sugar has been gradually increasing. Due to their high level of sweetness and low cost, non-nutritive sweeteners are often used in the food industry as food additives. Previous studies have shown the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners to be associated with a 1.2-fold increase in preterm births and a reduction in the gestational period by 0.11 weeks, but the effect of acesulfame potassium exposure on uterine contraction in pregnant women has not yet been studied.

Uterine hypercontraction is significantly triggered by the influx of calcium ions or oxytocin signaling pathway, which causes the contraction of uterine muscle bundles. The medical conditions caused by uterine hypercontraction include preterm labor risk, endometriosis, and menstrual pain, and consequent inflammatory responses can result in the secretion of cytokines and the aggravation of oxidative stress, which may lead to menstrual discomfort and a deterioration in life quality for women.

In the study, it was revealed that exposure to acesulfame potassium caused an upsurge in the concentration of calcium ions in uterine smooth muscle cells and calcium ion influx, which resulted in an increase in uterine contractions. In a long-term exposure experiment, the subjects were fed daily with an amount of acesulfame potassium equivalent to that contained in two cans of Coca-Cola Zero, as well as a tolerable daily intake via oral gavage for 8 weeks. The results showed that acesulfame potassium increased intrauterine pressure and oxytocin-induced contractions. In a further clinical collaboration, it was found in a cohort study that pregnant women with higher exposure to acesulfame potassium had a higher risk of preterm birth.

This study was the first to investigate the influence of non-nutritive sweeteners on pregnant women and confirm their effect on uterine hypercontraction with scientific evidence, alerting people with their life quality affected by uterine hypercontraction, such as those with menstrual pain, endometriosis, and pregnancy to the risk of long- term consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners.