Ameliorative Effect of Omega-3 on Energy Drinks - Induced Pancreatic Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: The world wide increasing popularity of the energy drinks and the lack of information about their possible hazardous effects on health is a matter of controversy and research. The aim of this study is to assess the histological and histochemical effects of energy drinks on the pancreas of adult male albino rats and the possible protective effect of omega-3. Material and Methods: Fifty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. First group is control. Second group (Omega-3 treated) rats received omega-3 at a dose of 300 mg /kg/day orally for 4 weeks. Third group (Red Bull treated) rats received Red Bull at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day orally for 4 weeks then they were randomly subdivided into two equal subgroups: IIIA, rats were sacrificed after 24 h of the last dose and in IIIB (Recovery group), rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks of the last dose .Fourth group (Omega-3 and Red Bull treated group) rats received Red Bull at a dose of 10mg/kg/day and Omega-3 at a dose of 300mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. At sacrifice, blood samples were drawn for biochemical study and pancreas specimens were prepared for histological and histochemical study. Results: Energy drink had no significant effect on the animal weight (P = 0.055), but there was highly significant increase in the pancreatic weight (P = 0.001) and in mean blood glucose level (P = 0.000). There were signs of β cells overstimulation. Histological and histochemical study of the pancreatic sections revealed multiple deleterious effects of the energy drink on the acinar and the islet cells. These changes were reversible as shown in the recovery group. Co-administration of Omega-3 showed marked protection of the pancreatic acini and the islets of Langerhans. Conclusion: Omega-3 administration has a highly protective effect on the pancreatic tissue against the hazardous effects of the energy drinks.