Abstract 12689: Cardiovascular Responses to Energy Drinks in a Healthy Population: The C-energy Study

Introduction: Energy drinks are presumed to enhance energy, physical endurance, mood, and boost metabolism. Serious health risks have been reported with energy drink consumption such as myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, stroke, seizures, and arrhythmias. More than 20,000 emergency department visits related to energy drink consumption were reported in 2011. Little is known about the possible pathophysiological mechanisms and adverse events associated with energy drinks. Unlike the tobacco and alcohol industry, there are limited restrictions regulating the purchasing and marketing of these drinks. Purpose: To determine if consumption of energy drinks alter; vital signs (blood pressure, temperature), electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium), activated bleeding time (ACT), or cardiac responses measured with a 12-lead electrocardiographic (ECG) Holter. Method: Subjects consumed two-16 ounce cans of an energy drink within one hour and remained in the lab where data was collected at base line (BL) and then during four hours post consumption (PC). Vital signs were taken every 30 minutes; blood samples were collected at BL, one, two and four hours PC and ECG data was collected throughout the entire study period. Paired students t-test and a corresponding non-parametric test (Wilcoxon signed rank) were used for analysis of the data. Results: Fourteen healthy young subjects were recruited (mean age 28.6 years). Systolic blood pressure (BL=132, ±7.83; PC= 151, ±11.21; p=.001); QTc interval (BL=423, ±22.74; PC=503, ±24.56; p<.001); magnesium level (BL 2.04, ± 0.09; PC=2.13, ±0.15; p=.05); and calcium level (BL=9.31, ±.28; PC=9.52, ±.22; p=.018) significantly increased from BL. While potassium and ACT fluctuated (increase and decrease) no significant changes were observed. Eight of the fourteen subjects (57%) developed a QTc >500 milliseconds PC. Conclusions: In our sample, consumption of energy drinks increased systolic blood pressure, serum magnesium and calcium, and resulted in repolarization abnormalities. Because these physiological responses can lead to arrhythmias and other abnormal cardiac responses, further study in a larger sample is needed to determine the effects and possible consequences of energy drink consumption.

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Abstract MP43: Electrocardiographic and Blood Pressure Effects of Energy Drinks and Panax Ginseng in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.133.suppl_1.mp43 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 133 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sachin A Shah ◽

Tinh An (April) Nguyen ◽

Andrew Occiano ◽

Amanda Chan ◽

Joseph C Sky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Panax Ginseng ◽

Qt Interval ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Energy Drink ◽

Qtc Interval ◽

Energy Drink Consumption ◽

Pr Interval

Introduction: Energy drink usage has been linked to emergency room visits and deaths. Cardiovascular and neurological adverse effects are among the most frequently reported, warranting further exploration of risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that energy drinks and panax ginseng may contribute to significant electrocardiographic and blood pressure changes in healthy individuals. Methods: This was a randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled, crossover study where young healthy volunteers consumed 3 different study drinks on different days. The interventions included 32 ounces of an energy drink, control drink with 800 mg of panax ginseng or a matching placebo drink, all of which were consumed over a 45 minute period. Primary endpoints of interest were QTc interval and systolic blood pressure. Secondary endpoints included QT interval, PR interval, QRS duration, heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure. All endpoints were assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 3.5, and 5.5 hours post-study drink administration. Results: Twenty seven volunteers completed the study. A significant increase in QTc interval 2 hours post energy drink consumption was evident when compared to placebo (3.37±10.7 msec and -3.19±11.8 msec respectively; p=0.030). Similarly, systolic blood pressure 2 hours post energy drink consumption increased when compared to placebo (2.00±6.37 mmHg and -2.67±5.83 mmHg respectively; p=0.014). The PR interval significantly reduced over a 2 hour period post energy drink use in a clinically non-meaningful manner. Heart rate at 2 hours was not significantly higher in the energy drink group. The QT interval, QRS interval and diastolic blood pressure were not impacted at any time across groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, certain energy drinks consumed at a high volume can significantly increase the QTc interval and systolic blood pressure by over 6 msec and 4 mmHg respectively. Panax ginseng does not have a significant impact on ECG or blood pressure parameters. Future studies are warranted to delineate the electrophysiological and hemodynamic risks of certain energy drinks consumed at different concentrations and durations.

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Abstract P324: Impact of Energy Drinks on Electrocardiographic and Blood Pressure Parameters: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.127.suppl_12.ap324 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽

Author(s):

Sachin A Shah ◽

Carolyn S Lacey ◽

Ian C Riddock ◽

Michael Lee ◽

Anthony E Dargush

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Clinical Studies ◽

English Language ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Energy Drink ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Qtc Interval ◽

Energy Drink Consumption ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Energy drinks capture 47% of the beverage market share internationally. Several studies have tried to evaluate the health risks of energy drink consumption but a general consensus does not exist. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the cardiovascular effects of energy drinks on notable electrocardiographic and blood pressure parameters. Methods: A literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane database and by hand searching of relevant references was performed. Human clinical studies published in the English language were included if evaluating the impact of an energy drink on the QT/QTc interval or systolic blood pressure (SBP). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were also assessed. A weighted mean change from baseline was calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model for all endpoints. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess heterogeneity. Results: Our initial search identified 351 studies of which 7 were ultimately included. A total of 93 and 132 individual subjects were incorporated for the QT/QTc interval and SBP analyses respectively. Compared to baseline, QT/QTc interval prolonged significantly by 10.0msec [95%CI 0.41 to 19.67; Cochrane Q p=0.505] and SBP increased significantly by 3.5mmHg [95%CI 0.92 to 6.11; Cochrane Q p=0.635]. DBP and HR increased non-significantly. These effects were maintained in most subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Energy drinks significantly prolong the QT/QTc interval and raise SBP. DBP and HR are increased non-significantly. Further safety evaluation of energy drink consumption is warranted to guide public health policy.

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Abstract 12640: Energy Drinks Prolong Early Repolarization (J-T Peak ) Phase in a Healthy Population

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.12640 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Samuel R Kaplan ◽

Ghufran Syed ◽

Teri Kozik

Keyword(s):

Torsade De Pointes ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Energy Drink ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Specific Marker ◽

Qtc Interval ◽

Qtc Prolongation ◽

Early Repolarization ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Energy Drink Consumption

Introduction: Energy drinks continue to be the fastest growing beverage market with sales expected to reach $60 billion in the next few years, yet have demonstrated adverse cardiovascular effects such as prolongation of the QTc interval on EKG. While QTc prolongation observed with certain drugs has long been used as an indicator of increased risk of torsade de pointes, recent data has identified the early repolarization interval J-T peak (JTp) as a more specific marker for proarrhythmic potential. Drugs that selectively block the human ether-a-go-go related (hERG) potassium ion channel prolong QTc by prolonging both early repolarization (JTp) and late repolarization (T peak -T end [Tpe] interval), and are associated with an increased risk of torsade. In contrast, drugs that additionally block inward late sodium and L-type calcium prolong QTc by prolonging Tpe but not JTp, and have demonstrated reduced risk of torsade. In 2018, the C-Energy-X study demonstrated QTc prolongation in 22 healthy subjects (mean age 28 ± 7yrs) who consumed energy drink while at rest and following short periods of exercise. Our study provides a secondary analysis of this data in terms of its effect on JTp, a potentially more specific marker for torsade risk. Methods: Using H-Scribe software, two evaluators independently measured JTp and RR intervals from C-Energy-X subjects pre- and post-energy drink consumption in the rest and exercise phases. Values were corrected for heart rate using the linear correction formula JTpc=JTp + 0.150(1-RR), where RR is R-to-R interval. Mean JTpc values from each phase were analyzed using a paired sample two-tailed t -test. Results: In the resting phase following energy drink consumption (PCr), there was a statistically significant increase in JTpc intervals for 77% of subjects by a mean of 10.5ms (baseline=234 ± 21.3ms; PCr=245 ± 22.0ms; p =0.015). In the exercise phase following energy drink consumption (PCe), 64% of subjects increased JTpc intervals by a mean of 0.8ms which was not significant (baseline=225 ± 15.7ms; PCe=226 ± 17.9ms; p =0.845). Conclusion: In the resting phase, energy drink consumption was associated with statistically significant prolongation of JTpc, suggesting a theoretical increased risk of torsade de pointes.

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Abstract 3661: “Energy Drink” Consumption Causes Increases in Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.116.suppl_16.ii_831-a ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽

Author(s):

Leah Steinke ◽

James S Kalus ◽

Vishnuprabha Dhanapal ◽

David E Lanfear ◽

Helen D Berlie

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Healthy Volunteers ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Energy Drink ◽

Direct Effects ◽

Mean Values ◽

Energy Drink Consumption ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Observation Period

Introduction: “Energy drinks” are very popular and are used frequently, especially by young adults. Most marketed energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and taurine. Both caffeine and taurine have been shown to have direct effects on cardiac function and hemodynamic status. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that a commonly used energy drink alters blood pressure, heart rate and EKG parameters in healthy volunteers. Methods: Healthy volunteers (n = 15, 53% female, 25.9 ± 5.9 years, 69.8 ± 14.8 kg) abstained from caffeine for 48 hours prior to and throughout the study period. On study day 1 (D1), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and an EKG were measured at baseline. Participants then consumed 500 mL (2 cans) of an energy drink containing caffeine (80 mg) and taurine (1000 mg) and BP, HR and EKG measurements were repeated at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after consumption. Participants then consumed 2 cans of energy drink daily for the next 5 days (D2–D6). On day 7 (D7) the procedures followed on D1 were repeated. Average baseline measurements on days 1 and 7 were compared to maximum values during that observation period. Results: On both D1 and D7, maximum mean systolic BP, HR and corrected QT-interval (QTc) occurred at 4 hours. Maximum diastolic BP occurred at 2 hours on D1 and D7. Baseline and maximum mean values are presented in Table 1 . Within 4 hours of energy drink consumption on D1 and D7 respectively, systolic BP increased by 7.9% (p = 0.006) and 9.6% (p < 0.001), HR increased by 7.8% (p = 0.009) and 11.0% (p < 0.001) and QTc increased by 4.5% (p = 0.368) and 5.5% (p = 0.052). Diastolic BP increased by 7.0% (p = 0.046) and 7.8% (p = 0.063) within 2 hours of energy drink consumption. Conclusions: In conclusion, although no significant EKG changes were observed, subjects’ HR increased 5–7 bpm and systolic BP increased 10mmHg after consuming an “energy drink”. This level of change is likely clinically significant in patients with cardiac disease or those who consume such drinks regularly. Table 1. Baseline and Maximum Values (mean ± SD)

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Abstract 18257: Cardiovascular Response to Energy Drink Consumption in Healthy Adults

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.130.suppl_2.18257 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Anna Svatikova ◽

Naima Covassin ◽

Krishen Somers ◽

Filip Soucek ◽

Tomas Kara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Cardiovascular Response ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Energy Drink ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Double Blind ◽

Resting Blood Pressure ◽

Energy Drink Consumption ◽

Placebo Drink

Introduction: An increasing number of healthy adults consume energy drinks to enhance their physical and mental performance. Energy drinks contain caffeine and multiple other “natural” stimulants and their combined effects on cardiac hemodynamics in healthy individuals are unclear. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that drinking a commercially available energy drink, Rockstar , compared to a placebo drink, increases resting blood pressure and heart rate in healthy adults, and these increases would be further accentuated by stress conditions. Methods: We enrolled 25 healthy, normotensive subjects (14 males), aged 29±1 years, with body mass index 24.5±1 kg/m 2 , in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Each subject consumed a placebo drink and a commercially available Rockstar energy drink (473 ml), in random order on two separate study days. Blood pressure and heart rate responses were recorded and compared before and 30 minutes after drink consumption, both at rest and then in response to physical, mental and cold stressors. Results: The Rockstar energy drink induced a 6±1% increase in resting systolic blood pressure, compared to 3±1% with the placebo drink (P=0.0078). Diastolic blood pressure increased by 7±1% vs 0±1% with the placebo drink (P=0.0007; Figure 1). Heart rate increased similarly in both groups, by 5±2% in the energy drink group vs. 7±2% in the placebo group. Blood pressure and heart rate increases during the stress stimuli (sustained handgrip, mental stress and cold stress) did not differ between energy drink and placebo. Conclusions: Drinking a commercially available Rockstar energy drink significantly increases resting blood pressure in young healthy adults. Blood pressure increases are not further accentuated by exercise, mental or cold pressor stress stimuli. These hemodynamic changes induced by energy drink consumption could predispose to cardiovascular events.

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A Survey of Energy Drink Consumption and Associated Adverse Effects in Air Force Personnel

Military Medicine ◽

10.1093/milmed/usaa362 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nicholas A Milazzo ◽

Diana X Cao ◽

Gunjeeta Diwaker ◽

Jennifer A Thornton ◽

Sachin A Shah

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Air Force ◽

Large Scale ◽

Medical Center ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Energy Drink ◽

Emergency Department Visits ◽

Military Population ◽

Energy Drink Consumption

ABSTRACT Introduction Energy drinks are an increasingly utilized beverage and are gaining popularity in recent years. The U.S. Air Force (USAF) represents a unique population where energy drink consumption may be higher than the general population. To better understand the safety and health impact of energy drinks, this large-scale comprehensive survey was conducted to study energy drink consumption patterns and its associated adverse effects. Materials and Methods A survey was conducted across 12 USAF installations to assess self-reported energy drink consumption and adverse effects in the military population. This study was approved by the David Grant USAF Medical Center Institutional Review Board. Results A total of 9,655 participants participated in the survey. Energy drink consumption was reported in 76.7% of the participants, with 12.0% consuming ≥1 energy drink per day. Male gender, younger age, and enlisted military members are more likely to be high consumers; 58.6% of participants reported having at least once tried a premixed beverage that combines alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants. Among energy drink users, 60.0% reported experiencing ≥1 adverse effect, and 0.92% reported needing to see a physician or going to the emergency department because of adverse effects from energy drinks. Higher energy drink or premixed combination beverage consumption frequency was associated with increased likelihood of physician or emergency department visits (P ≤ 0.002 for both). Conclusion Approximately three in four USAF members reported ever consuming an energy drink. Caution should be exercised on the amount of energy drink consumed to limit the risk of serious adverse effects. Future studies should identify populations at greatest risk for adverse effects and alternative sources of energy maintenance to attain optimal mission readiness.

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Risk-Taking Behavior and the Consumption of Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drink among Australian, Dutch and UK Students

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105315 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5315

Author(s):

Sean J. Johnson ◽

Sarah Benson ◽

Andrew Scholey ◽

Chris Alford ◽

Joris C. Verster

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Risk Taking ◽

Positive Relationship ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Energy Drink ◽

Energy Drink Consumption ◽

Risk Taking Behavior ◽

The Relationship ◽

Level Of Risk

The relationship between risk-taking behavior, alcohol consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences is well known. The current analyses were conducted to investigate whether alcohol mixed with energy drink (AMED) is related to risk-taking behavior and if there is a relationship between the amount of energy drink mixed with alcohol consumed, risk-taking behavior and negative alcohol-related consequences. Data from N = 1276 AMED consuming students from the Netherlands, UK and Australia who completed the same survey were evaluated. The analysis revealed that, compared to AMED occasions, on alcohol only (AO) occasions significantly more alcohol was consumed and significantly more negative alcohol-related consequences were reported. On both AO and AMED occasions, there was a strong and positive relationship between amount of alcohol consumed, level of risk-taking behavior and number of reported negative alcohol-related consequences. In contrast, the level of risk-taking behavior was not clearly related to energy drink consumption. Across risk-taking levels, differences in the amount of energy drink consumed on AMED occasions did not exceed one 250 mL serving of energy drink. When correcting for the amount of alcohol consumed, there were no statistically significant differences in the number of energy drinks consumed on AMED occasions between the risk-taking groups. In conclusion, alcohol consumption is clearly related to risk-taking behavior and experiencing negative alcohol-related consequences. In contrast, energy drink intake was not related to level of risk-taking behavior and only weakly related to the number of experienced negative alcohol-related consequences.

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FRI0618-HPR EFFECTS OF MUSIC THERAPY ON PAIN, ANXIETY, AND VITAL SIGNS IN CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES PATIENTS DURING BIOLOGICAL DRUGS INFUSION

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.6027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 914.2-914

Author(s):

S. Boussaid ◽

M. Ben Majdouba ◽

S. Jriri ◽

M. Abbes ◽

S. Jammali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Music Therapy ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Respiratory Rate ◽

Vital Signs ◽

Biological Therapies ◽

Biological Drugs ◽

Pain Anxiety ◽

The Mean

Background:Music therapy is based on ancient cross-cultural beliefs that music can have a “healing” effect on mind and body. Research determined that listening to music can increase comfort and relaxation, relieve pain, lower distress, reduce anxiety, improve positive emotions and mood, and decrease psychological symptoms. Music therapy has been used greatly in various medical procedures to reduce associated anxiety and pain. Patients have a high level of anxiety when they are in the hospital, this is the case of patients with rheumatic diseases who consult regularly to have intravenous infusion of biological therapies.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of music therapy on pain, anxiety, and vital signs among patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases during intravenous infusion of biological drugs.Methods:Fifty patients were divided into two groups: The experimental group G1 (n=25) received drug infusion while lestening to soft music (30 minutes); and the control group G2 (n=25) received only drug infusion. Measures include pain, anxiety, vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate). The pain was measured using visual analogic scale (VAS). The state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) was used for measuring anxiety, low anxiety ranges from 20 to 39, the moderate anxiety ranges from 40 to 59, and high anxiety ranges from 60 to 80. Vital signs (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], heart rate [HR], and respiratory rate [RR]) were measured before, during and immediately after the infusion.Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used for analysis.Results:The mean age in G1 was 44.45 years (26-72) with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.8. Including the 25 patients, 12 had rheumatoid arthritis, 10 had ankylosing spondylitis and 3 had psoriatic arthritis. The mean disease duration was 8 years. In G2, the mean age was 46 years (25-70) with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.75, 12 had rheumatoid arthritis, 11 had ankylosing spondylitis and 2 had psoriatic arthritis. The mean disease duration was 7.5 years. The biological drugs used were: Infliximab in 30 cases, Tocilizumab in 12 cases and Rituximab in 8 cases.Before the infusion, the patients of experimental group had a mean VAS of 5/10±3, a mean STAI of 50.62±6.01, a mean SBP of 13.6 cmHg±1.4, a mean DBP of 8.6 cmHg±1, a mean HR of 85±10 and a mean RR of 18±3. While in control group the mean VAS was 5.5±2, the mean STAI was 50.89±5.5, the mean SBP was 13.4±1.2, the mean DBP was 8.8±1.1, the mean HR was 82±8 and the mean RR was 19±2.During the infusion and after music intervention in G1, the mean STAI became 38.35±5 in G1 versus 46.7±5.2 in G2 (p value=0.022), the mean SBP became 12.1±0.5 in G1 versus 13±1 in G2 (p=0.035), the mean DBP became 8.1±0.8 in G1 versus 8.4±0.9 in G2 (p=0.4), the mean HR became 76±9 in G1 versus 78±7 in G2 (p=0.04) and the mean RR became 17.3±2.1 in G1 versus 18.2±1.7 in G2 (p=0.39).This study found a statistically significant decrease in anxiety, systolic blood pressure and heart rate in patients receiving music interventions during biological therapies infusion, but no significant difference were identified in diastolic blood pressure and respiratory rate.Conclusion:The findings provide further evidence to support the use of music therapy to reduce anxiety, and lower systolic blood pressure and heart rate in patients with rheumatic disease during biological therapies infusion.References:[1] Lin, C., Hwang, S., Jiang, P., & Hsiung, N. (2019).Effect of Music Therapy on Pain After Orthopedic Surgery -A Systematic review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Practice.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Energy drink - the prevalence of consumption and awareness regarding its associated potential health problems among commercial bus drivers in Ho, Ghana

10.21203/rs.3.rs-18668/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Emmanuella Yayra Saku ◽

Peter Nuro-Ameyaw ◽

Priscilla Cecilia Amenya ◽

Fidelis Mawunyo Kpodo ◽

Paul Esua Amoafo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Energy Drink ◽

Health Problems ◽

Bus Drivers ◽

Long Distance ◽

Potential Health ◽

Poor Knowledge ◽

Energy Drink Consumption

Abstract Background Consumption of energy drinks has become an escalating global public health problem. The work schedule and irregular sleeping habits of commercial bus drivers make them highly susceptible to getting fatigued, hence most of them consume energy drinks as a fatigue management strategy. However, consumption of energy drinks produces numerous psychomotor side effects that if consumed among drivers puts the traveling public in danger of road accidents. This study sought to assess the prevalence of energy drink consumption and awareness of associated potential health problems among commercial long-distance bus drivers operating from the Ho municipality. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 132 participants who completed a structured questionnaire on the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of consumption and reasons for consumption. It also included questions to assess the knowledge of the ingredients and side effects of energy drinks. Results A majority (62.1%) of the drivers had more than 10 years of commercial driving experience. A 75% energy drink consumption prevalence was recorded with driving performance enhancement (78.8%) as the predominant reason for consumption. 7 - 10 bottles per week were consumed by most (32.2%) of the drivers with the most consumed brand being Rush energy drink (54.5%). Also, 72.0% had poor knowledge of the side effects linked with energy drink intake likewise the ingredients in them. Conclusion Energy drinks were consumed by the majority of the drivers at the Ho main bus terminal of which most of the drivers had poor knowledge of the potential health problems linked with the consumption of these drinks. The consumption of energy drinks was observed to be higher among the drivers with lower education levels, higher monthly income and those who worked long hours in a day. The Ghana National Road Safety Commission (GNRC) in collaboration with other private road transport unions in Ghana should organize regular seminars for commercial bus drivers on the potential dangers and effects associated with energy drink consumption.

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Indole-3-propionic acid, a tryptophan-derived bacterial metabolite, increases blood pressure via cardiac and vascular mechanisms in rats

AJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpregu.00142.2021 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Piotr Konopelski ◽

Dawid Chabowski ◽

Marta Aleksandrowicz ◽

Ewa Kozniewska ◽

Piotr Podsadni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Propionic Acid ◽

Metabolic Activity ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Circulatory System ◽

Cardiovascular Responses ◽

Gut Bacteria ◽

Qtc Interval ◽

Resistance Arteries ◽

Wistar Kyoto

Objectives. Recent evidence suggests that gut bacteria-derived metabolites interact with the cardiovascular system and alter blood pressure (BP) in mammals. Here, we evaluated the effect of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a gut bacteria-derived metabolite of tryptophan, on the circulatory system. Methods. Arterial BP, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic (ECHO) parameters were recorded in male, anesthetized, 12-week-old Wistar-Kyoto rats at baseline and after intravenous administration of either IPA or vehicle. In additional experiments, rats were pretreated with prazosin or pentolinium to evaluate the involvement of the autonomic nervous system in cardiovascular responses to IPA. IPA's concentrations were measured using UHPLC-MS. The reactivity of endothelium-intact and -denuded mesenteric resistance arteries was tested. Cells' viability and LDH cytotoxicity assays were performed on cultured cardiomyocytes. Results. IPA increased BP with a concomitant bradycardic response but no significant change in QTc interval. The pretreatment with prazosin and pentolinium reduced the hypertensive response. ECHO showed increased contractility of the heart after the administration of IPA. Ex vivo, IPA constricted pre-dilated and endothelium-denuded mesenteric resistance arteries and increased metabolic activity of cardiomyocytes. Conclusions. IPA increases BP via cardiac and vascular mechanisms in rats. Furthermore, IPA increases cardiac contractility and metabolic activity of cardiomyocytes. Our study suggests that IPA may act as a mediator between gut microbiota and the circulatory system.

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