Decrease in Lipid Droplets in Adrenal Cortex of Male Wistar Rats after Chronic Exposure to Energy Drinks

Abstract

Background and objectives: Energy drinks are popular non-alcoholic beverages. They are consumed in large amounts, mainly by active, young people. Although they are easily accessible and marketed as safe, numerous cases of adverse effects have been published, including cardiac arrest, arrythmias, acute hepatitis, and renal failure. The aim of the current study is the assessment of energy drink influence on the histological structure of adrenal cortex in rats. Material and Methods: 15 male young Wistar rats were equally divided into three groups: control (C), experimental (E) and reversibility control (RC). C group received water and standard rodent food ad libitum while both E and RC groups had additionally unlimited access to energy drinks. C and E groups were decapitated after 8 weeks and RC was given another 8 weeks without energy drinks. Adrenal glands were embedded in paraffin blocks and 5 μm slides were prepared and stained according to standard H&E and Masson’s trichrome protocols. Additionally, immunohistochemical stainings against Ki-67, p53, CTGF and caspase-3 were prepared. Results: Decreased vacuolization and numerous pyknotic nuclei were noted in E and RC groups. Overexpression of caspase-3 was noted both subcapsular in zona glomerulosa and along sinusoids in zona fasciculata. Increased collagen deposition in zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata of E and RC was observed. Insular and irregular overexpression of CTGF was noted. The overall picture of CTGF expression matched the Masson’s trichrome. No significant difference was observed in Ki-67 expression. Conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that the stimulation is so intense that it causes significant damage to adrenal cortical cells, resulting in their apoptosis. It seems, however, that the observed effects are at least partially reversible.

Hepatic Changes under the Effect of Red Bull Energy Drinks and its Withdrawal in Adult Male Albino Rats (Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

“…Also, after exposure to energy drinks, Zarobkiewicz et al [28] revealed enhanced collagen deposition in the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex of adult male rats. Abdel Moneim and El Deeb [29] found higher fibrin depositions on the underlying connective tissue in their investigation on the impact of caffeine on rat gingival wound healing, which showed increased fibrin depositions.…”

Stimulant Usage by Medical Students for Cognitive Enhancement: A Systematic Review

“…This is further augmented in habitual energy drink consumers as taurine and its derivatives increase serum cortisol production and secretion. This was reversible as discontinuing consumption decreased adrenal zona fasciculata hyperplasia seen in chronic use [ 44 ].…”

“…Fletcher et al found that compared to caffeine from other sources such as coffee, participants who consumed energy drinks had a significantly higher corrected QT interval and systolic BP two hours after consumption [ 43 ]. In terms of safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all new drugs that affect the QT/QTc interval be comprehensively investigated, however, since the main drug in these energy drinks is caffeine, further investigation is not required [ 44 ]. While there is no evidence of significant consequences of short-term daily consumption of energy drinks over weeks, long-term daily use may possibly be correlated with cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmias.…”

“…However, animal experiments mimicking Alzheimer’s show decreased cognitive impairments in rats treated with 60 to 120 mg/kg/day of taurine [ 45 ]. While this sounds promising, this must be taken with a grain of salt as there is a delicate balance of taurine homeostasis evident in the fact that disturbances have been reported in conditions such as autism and epilepsy [ 44 ].…”