Assessment of the Potential Toxic Consequences of Energy Drinks on the Brain Tissue of Maternal Wister Rats Throughout Gestation and Lactation

Brain tissue is the most vulnerable tissue to toxicity especially in the gestation and lactation period and the most consumed beverages between all ages is energy drinks (EDs). The objective of this study is the evaluation of the possible toxicity of EDs ingestion in the brain tissue of maternal rats during gestation and lactation, as more is needed to be reported confirming its effect on these critical periods until now. A total of eighteen female Wistar rats were categorized into three groups. From the fifth day of pregnancy until the end of lactation, which lasted for 38 days, the groups were given daily doses of 3.57 and 7.14 ml/kg of body weight in the low and high dose groups, respectively. The control group received a saline solution. The ED-treated groups exhibited decreased acetylcholinesterase (AchE) levels and increased dopamine levels. Additionally, the brain tissue exhibited histopathological alternation and the initiation of oxidative stress. This was evidenced by an elevation in malondialdehyde levels and a disruption in the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes. Consequently, there was a pronounced degradation of DNA damage in the brain. EDs impacted the neurotransmitters and AchE in maternal rats, leading to an increase in the generation of free radicals. Consequently, this process stimulated the destruction of brain cells through oxidative stress. As a result, it had a negative impact on the cellular and genetic well-being of the maternal brain.