Chronic cola drinking induces metabolic and cardiac alterations in rats

MILEI JOSE; OTERO-LOSADA M; GOMEZ LLAMBI HERNAN; GRANA DANIEL R; SUAREZ DANIEL; AZZATO FRANCISCO; AMBROSIO GIUSEPPE

World Journal of Cardiology

Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Ltd.

Lugar: Beijing Baishideng Biomed Scientific Co., Ltd, ., Room 903, Building D,Ocean International Center No.62 Dongsihuan Zhonglu,Chaoyang District,Beijing 100025,China; Año: 2011 vol. 3 p. 111 - 116

1949-8462

Background: The rising consumption of soft drinks has been linked to development of metabolic syndrome. Aim: To investigate in rats the effects of chronic drinking of cola beverages on metabolic and echocardiographic parameters. Method: Forty eight male Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups and were allowed to drink regular cola (C), diet cola (L) or tap water (W) ad libitum during 6 months. After this period, 50% of the animals in each group were euthanized. The remaining rats drank tap water ad libitum another 6 months and were then sacrificed. Rats were weighed weekly and food and drink consumption were measured. Biochemical, echocardiographical and systolic blood pressure data were obtained at baseline,  6 months (treatment) and 12 months (wash-out). A complete histopathological study was performed. Results: After 6 months, C rats were heavier (+7%, p<0.01), had increased liquid consumption (+69%, p<0.001) and decreased food intake (-31%, p<0.001). C presented mild hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Normoglycemia (+69%, p<0.01) and sustained hypertriglyceridemia (+69%, p<0.01) were observed in C after wash-out. Both cola beverages induced increase of left ventricular diastolic diameter (+9% C p<0.05, +7% L p<0.05 vs. W) and volumes (diastolic  26% C p<0.01, +22% L p<0.01 vs. W ; systolic+24% C p<0.05, +24% L p<0.05 vs. W) and reduction of relative posterior wall thickness (-8% C p<0.05, -10% L p<0.05 vs. W). These led to cardiac output increase  (+25% C p<0.05, +17% L p<0.05 vs. W). Heart rate was not affected. Scarce necropsy findings were related to aging rather than treatment. Conclusions: this model showed overweight, hypertriglyceridemia, mild hyperglycemia, systolic hypertension and echocardiographic alterations. Most of these changes reversed after the wash-out period. Taking into account the high consumption of cola beverages, this model will be useful, regardless of the induction of metabolic syndrome. KEY WORDS Cola beverages; echocardiography; metabolic syndrome; soft drinks