Histological Effects of Caffeinated Soft Drink and Energy Drink on the Hepatocyte of the Adult Rats

Abstract

Objective/Background: Ever rising trend of consuming soft drinks and energy drinks has raised concerns about their safety. Hence, this study was designed to observe the potential adverse effects of most commonly consumed soft drink, Coca Cola (containing caffeine) and energy drink, Red Bull(caffeine and taurine) on the morphology and histology of hepatocyte of rats.
 Material and Methods: 45 albino rats were divided into three equal groups, control group A and experimental groups B and C. 11ml/kg body weight of distilled water, Coca Cola and Red Bull were given to groups A, B and C respectively for 8 weeks. Later the rats were sacrificed and livers were dissected and preserved in formaline for histological examination.
 Results: Hepatocytes of both experimental groups B and C were rounded and enlarged in comparison to control group with p value of <0.01. Both group B and C had swelling and ballooning of hepatocyte due to hydropic degeneration and appeared vacuolated in comparison to control group (p value <0.001). Hepatocyte of experimental groups had greater diameter in comparison to control (p value <0.001). However, the coca cola receiving experimental group had an average higher diameter in comparison to group receiving Red Bull (p value 0.01).
 Conclusion: Both, caffeinated drinks (soft and energy drinks) have adversely affected morphology as well as histology of hepatocyte of adult albino rats. However, the Coca Cola group was affected more in comparison to Red Bull group probably due to its hepatoprotective constituent, taurine in addition to caffeine (which was present in both drinks), somehow reducing its toxic effect.