Effects of energy drinks on biochemical and sperm parameters in Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: The present study evaluates the effects of energy drinks on the reproductive and biochemical parameters of adult male rats. Methods: A total of 40 male rats (Wistar) were exposed to an energy drink mixed with the drinking water for a period of 120 days. The animals were divided into four groups and exposed to increasing therapeutic doses (DT) of an energy drink, based on allometric extrapolation, resulting in values (mL/day) per animal of 250 g: DT1 2.36 mL, DT3 7.47 mL, and DT6 14.16 mL. The control group (CTRL) consumed water only. During the treatment, the rats were assessed for signs of toxicity. After treatment, the animals were sacrificed and their organs were weighed. Sperm parameters (motility, concentration, and morphology) were evaluated. The biochemical markers alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, and creatine kinase MB fraction were measured, in addition to total cholesterol and testosterone. Results: There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the concentration of sperm in the treated groups (DT1 8.5 ± 0.7; DT3 7.2 ± 0.9; DT6 8.4 ± 0.9) compared to the control group (12.3 ± 1.2). No difference was observed with respect to relative weights of the animals' organs, water consumption, signs of toxicity, behavioral changes, biochemical markers, and sperm motility and morphology. Conclusion: The long-term consumption of energy drinks interferes negatively with sperm concentration, without affecting sperm motility and morphology or altering the hepatic, cardiac, or renal functions.

Protective Effects of Flax Seed Oil on Body Weight Changes Caused by Caffeinated Energy Drink in Adult Male Albino Rats

“…23 On contrary Eduardo et al, observed insignificant weight gain in adult male rats after 120 days administration of caffeinated energy drink and explained the thermogenic effect of high doses of caffeine which along with gastrointestinal disturbance might be responsible for weight control. 24 Similar results were proved in a 4-week study conducted at University of Illinois that caffeine reduces body weight gain by decreasing storage of lipids and production of triglycerides. 25 However, weight gain in group C and D was less (caffeinated energy drink, 40% and 60% of flax seed oil) respectively as compared to group B (caffeinated energy drink).…”

A comparative assessment of artificial and natural energy drinks in the epididymal and testicular milieu

“…The potassium that is present in jaggery is responsible for reducing cholesterol levels (Rao and Singh, 2021). The cholesterol level of the rats in the AED group was not affected because according to some authors the presence of taurine in artificial energy drinks prevents the decrease in testicular cholesterol levels (Chen et al, 2016;Schuchowsky et al, 2017).…”

Changes in biochemical and sperm parameters of rats drinking energy drinks

“…However, the decline in the quality of sperm was bound to increase in the concentration of energy drinks consumed as it was highly significant in G3, which consumed the highest concentration; this result is in accordance with the results of [31], who reported that a change in sperm morphology. Abnormal sperm morphology, number, and viability may reflect abnormality in spermatogenesis affected by the content of energy drinks [32]. Male fertility is contingent upon the presence of normal linear progressive sperm motility and normal sperm morphology.…”