Could Peri-natal Exposure to Red Bull Induced Damage in the Heart and Lung in Rat Offsprings: Histological, Ultra-structural, and Immunohistochemical Study?

Abstract

Introduction: Energy drinks (ED) are utilized all over the world. The components of (ED) have desired effects such as increasing energy but they produce undesired effects on health. Aim of the work: to assess the effects of consumption of Red Bull during pregnancy on the structure of the heart and lungs. Methodology: this study was conducted on 30 grown-up female rats divided into three groups (10 in each group). Control group, Low dose treated group (received Red Bull 2.5 ml/kg body weight by oral gavage from the first day of pregnancy till the 21st day after birth, and High dose treated group (got Red Bull 5 ml/kg body weight orally via oral gavage from the beginning of pregnancy till the 21st day after birth). The hearts and lungs of newborn and 21st-day-old offspring were extracted and processed. Results: Red Bull consumption induced destructive changes in the heart and lungs as loss of regular arrangement of myofibrils, dilation of congested blood vessels and infiltration of peri-vascular cells and areas of degeneration and lysis. In the lung, there was distortion in lung architecture, an increase in the thickness of inter-alveolar septum, and abnormality in pneumocytes type 1 and 2.Conclusion: The consumption of Red Bull in the peri-natal period, especially in high doses, has marked destructive effects on the heart and lungs