Levels of glycolytic intermediate metabolites in brain cells of rats under conditions of energy drink consumption

Abstract

Energy drinks are popular among young people to increase performance and attention. However, their impact on metabolic processes and physiological functions has led to restrictions on their consumption in many countries. The study aimed to determine the levels of glycolytic intermediate metabolites in rat brain neurons under conditions of energy drink consumption. The study was conducted on sexually mature Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g. The animals were divided into groups, and biological material was collected for experimental purposes. Brain homogenate was prepared using a homogeniser and a cold extraction medium in a ratio of 1/9. In the obtained brain homogenate and blood serum, the concentrations of glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and the activity of the glycolytic enzyme – lactate dehydrogenase were determined. It was investigated that the consumption of an energy drink by animals led to an increase in blood glucose levels and the development of persistent hyperglycaemia. Regarding the glucose content in the brain, there was an observed increase in its utilisation by neurons. It was also established that in brain cells, the concentration of lactate (the final product of anaerobic glycolysis) and the activity of the key glycolytic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, increased. A decrease in the level of the glycolytic intermediate metabolites, pyruvate, was investigated in neurons. However, in blood serum, opposite changes in pyruvate levels were observed: at the beginning of the experiment, the level of pyruvate increased relative to the intact control with a tendency to normalise in the later experimental periods. By changing the level of glycolytic intermediate metabolites in the brain homogenate, it is possible to determine the course of metabolic processes and the intensity of the energy supply of brain cells