The Effects of Caffeine on the Long Bones and Testes in Immature and Young Adult Rats

Abstract

This study was to evaluate the age-dependent effects of caffeine exposure on the long bones and reproductive organs using male rats. A total of 15 immature male rats and 15 young adult male rats were allocated randomly to three groups: a control group and two groups fed caffeine with 120 and 180 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Exposure to caffeine at either dose significantly reduced body weight gain; a proportional reduction in muscle and fat mass in immature animals, whereas a selective reduction in fat mass with relatively preserved muscle mass in young adult animals. The long bones of immature rats exposed to caffeine were significantly shorter and lighter than those of control animals along with decreased bone minerals. However, there was no difference in the length or weight of the long bones in young adult rats exposed to caffeine. Exposure to caffeine reduced the size and absolute weight of the testes significantly in immature animals in comparison to control animals, but not in young adult animals exposed to caffeine. In contrast, the adrenal glands were significantly heavier in caffeine-fed young adult rats in comparison to control animals, but not in caffeine-fed immature rats. Our results clearly show that the negative effects of caffeine on the long bones and testes in rats are different according to the age of the rat at the time of exposure, and might therefore be caused by changes to organ sensitivity and metabolic rate at different developmental stages. Although the long bones and testes are more susceptible to caffeine during puberty, caffeine has negative effects on body fat, bone minerals and the adrenal glands when exposure occurs during young adulthood. There is a need, therefore, to educate the public the potential dangers of caffeine consumption during puberty and young adulthood.

Caffeine consumption disrupts hippocampal long-term potentiation in freely behaving rats

“…Even so, our findings of no significant difference in body weight are consistent with previous reports of similar lean body mass, total body fat, bone weight, and length in caffeine‐treated adult rats compared with controls (Kwak et al. ).…”

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate induces reproductive toxicity via JAZF1/TR4 pathway and oxidative stress in pubertal male rats

“…Exposure to EDCs in puberty may consequently cause long-term and more serious damage to the male reproductive system compared with adults. For example, caffeine exposure reduces the size and absolute weight of the testes more significantly in immature rats than adults (Kwak et al, 2017). The deteriorative effects of ethanol on gonadal activity are also more lethal in puberty than in adults (Lee et al, 2010).…”

Effect of Red Bull on Histology of Renal Mesangium

“…16 Other studies conducted by Ayoub N et al in February 2016, Yoojin et al in April 2017, and Schuchwsky E et al in December 2017 suggested no significant weight gain or loss with the use of energy drinks on rats. 17,18,19 No considerable weight change with energy drink due to stimulation of fat oxidation and thermogenic activity because caffeine has the capability to impede the phosphodiesterase-induced breakdown of cAMP (intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate) and caffeine's antagonism of adenosine on increased norepinephrine release which is responsible for weight control up to some extent. But contrary to the above results, Fahad in his study, related to energy drink effects on albino Wister rats, reported energy drink given for 21 days significantly reduce body weight.…”