Introduction: Energy drinks have been shown to endanger public health and cause a slew of medical issues.
Aim of the Work: Study the histological, and biochemical findings to assess how energy drinks (Red Bull) (RB) affect the rat pancreas and the potential protective role of green tea (GTE).
Material and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups. 1st group was provided by 7.5 ml of distilled water. 2nd group (GTE) received 200 mg/kg body weight (B.w) of GTE daily for 4 weeks. Rats in the 3th group (RB-administered group) were provided by 7.5 ml of RB divided into two doses daily for 4 weeks. In the 4th group (RB/GTE) rats were provided by 7.5 ml of RB divided into two doses plus 200 mg/kg B.w of GTE daily for 4 weeks. Pancreatic specimens were prepared for histopathological and biochemical examinations.
Results: In RB group, there was significant increase of rats, body weight, serum insulin, glucose and Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels. Furthermore, there was oxidative damage evidenced by decreased glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPX) and increased Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the pancreatic tissue. Histopathologically, RB induced pancreatic distortion with marked increase of collagen fibers around blood vessels and ducts. Immunohistochemically, RB group showed strong positive immune expression of insulin antibody and iNOS. Co-administration of GTE ameliorated these alterations.
Conclusion: RB caused disturbed pancreatic hormonal function, degenerative changes and oxidative stress in the pancreatic tissue. Co-administration of GTE with RB improved these harmful histopathological and biochemical changes.