Brief Article
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World J Cardiol. Apr 26, 2011; 3(4): 111-116
Published online Apr 26, 2011. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v3.i4.111
Chronic cola drinking induces metabolic and cardiac alterations in rats
José Milei, Matilde Otero Losada, Hernán Gómez Llambí, Daniel R Grana, Daniel Suárez, Francisco Azzato, Giuseppe Ambrosio
José Milei, Matilde Otero Losada, Hernán Gómez Llambí, Daniel R Grana, Daniel Suárez, Francisco Azzato, Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas, University of Buenos Aires - CONICET, Buenos Aires, C1122AAJ, Argentina
Giuseppe Ambrosio, Division of Cardiology, University of Perugia School of Medicine, Perugia 06156, Italy
Author contributions: Milei J, Azzato F and Ambrosio G designed the research; Otero Losada M, Gómez Llambí H, Grana DR and Suárez D performed the research; Otero Losada M and Grana DR analyzed the data; Milei J and Ambrosio G wrote the paper; all authors contributed to the final discussion.
Supported by Partly Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), and funds from ININCA (UBA); Presented in part at the 20th European Meeting on Hypertension, Oslo, June 17-21, 2010, Norway
Correspondence to: Dr. José Milei, Professor, Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiológicas, University of Buenos Aires - CONICET, M.T.de Alvear 2270, Buenos Aires, C1122AAJ, Argentina. ininca@fmed.uba.ar
Telephone: +54-11-45083836 Fax: +54-11-45083836
Received: December 24, 2010
Revised: March 16, 2011
Accepted: March 23, 2011
Published online: April 26, 2011
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the effects of chronic drinking of cola beverages on metabolic and echocardiographic parameters in rats.

METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups and allowed to drink regular cola (C), diet cola (L), or tap water (W) ad libitum during 6 mo. After this period, 50% of the animals in each group were euthanized. The remaining rats drank tap water ad libitum for an additional 6 mo and were then sacrificed. Rat weight, food, and beverage consumption were measured regularly. Biochemical, echocardiographic and systolic blood pressure data were obtained at baseline, and at 6 mo (treatment) and 12 mo (washout). A complete histopathology study was performed after sacrifice.

RESULTS: After 6 mo, C rats had increased body weight (+7%, P < 0.01), increased liquid consumption (+69%, P < 0.001), and decreased food intake (-31%, P < 0.001). C rats showed mild hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Normoglycemia (+69%, P < 0.01) and sustained hypertriglyceridemia (+69%, P < 0.01) were observed in C after washout. Both cola beverages induced an increase in left ventricular diastolic diameter (C: +9%, L: +7%, P < 0.05 vs W) and volumes (diastolic C: +26%, L: +22%, P < 0.01 vs W; systolic C: +24%, L: +24%, P < 0.05 vs W) and reduction of relative posterior wall thickness (C: -8%, L: -10%, P < 0.05 vs W). Cardiac output tended to increase (C: +25%, P < 0.05 vs W; L: +17%, not significant vs W). Heart rate was not affected. Pathology findings were scarce, related to aging rather than treatment.

CONCLUSION: This experimental model may prove useful to investigate the consequences of high consumption of soft drinks.

Keywords: Cola beverages; Echocardiography; Metabolic syndrome; Soft drinks