Highlights•Aspartame increases insulin levels through parasympathetic activation•An insulin-dependent mechanism of the aspartame-aggravated atherosclerosis•The CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signaling mediates insulin-induced endothelial inflammation•A CX3CL1-CX3CR1-dependent mechanism of aspartame-exacerbated atherosclerosis SummaryConsumption of artificial sweeteners (ASWs) in various foods and beverages has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, molecular mechanisms underlying ASW-associated CVD remain unknown. Here, we… Continue reading #Sweetener #aspartame aggravates #atherosclerosis through insulin-triggered inflammation