Effects of energy drinks on biochemical and sperm parameters in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluates the effects of energy drinks on the reproductive and biochemical parameters of adult male rats. METHODS: A total of 40 male rats (Wistar) were exposed to an energy drink mixed with the drinking water for a period of 120 days. The animals were divided into four groups and exposed to increasing therapeutic doses (DT) of an energy drink, based on allometric extrapolation, resulting in values (mL/day) per animal of 250 g: DT1 2.36 mL, DT3 7.47 mL, and DT6 14.16 mL. The control group (CTRL) consumed water only. During the treatment, the rats were assessed for signs of toxicity. After treatment, the animals were sacrificed and their organs were weighed. Sperm parameters (motility, concentration, and morphology) were evaluated. The biochemical markers alanine eamino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, and creatine kinase MB fraction were measured, in addition to total cholesterol and testosterone. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in the concentration of sperm in the treated groups (DT18.5 ± 0.7; DT3 7.2 ± 0.9; DT6 8.4 ± 0.9) compared to the control group (12.3 ± 1.2). No difference was observed with respect to relative weights of the animals'organs, water consumption, signs of toxicity, behavioral changes, biochemical markers, and sperm motility and morphology. CONCLUSION: The long-term consumption of energy drinks interferes negatively with sperm concentration, without affecting sperm motility and morphology or altering the hepatic, cardiac, or renal functions

Calidad del sueño y consumo de inhibidores del sueño en estudiantes de medicina / Sleep quality and sleep inhibitors consumption in medical students

Introducción: Los desórdenes del sueño son un problema creciente en las sociedades occi-dentales afectando el rendimiento diurno, tanto en el ámbito académico como laboral. Ade-más en los últimos años, el consumo de inhibidores del sueño por estudiantes universita-rios ha ido en aumento. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la calidad del sueño en los estudiantes de medicina de Universidad San Sebastián, junto con determinar la prevalencia de trastornos del sueño y consumo de psicoestimulantes en esta población. Material y Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal en 65 estudiantes de medicina de tercer año durante el año 2012. Se midió el índice de calidad del sueño de Pittsburgh, junto con las horas de sueño y la frecuencia consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en el último mes. Resultados: Un 83% de los sujetos fueron definidos como malos dormidores, con disfunción leve del sueño. Un 53,8% de los estudiantes duermen menos de 6 horas diarias en promedio. Se consignó que un 41,5% consumió fármacos psicoestimulantes y/o bebidas energéticas en el último mes y su prevalencia de consumo fue mayor en malos dormidores. Un 64,6% consumió al menos una taza de café diaria, este consumo prevalece más en los malos dormidores que en los buenos dormidores. Un 27,7% de los sujetos refirió consumir al menos un cigarrillo al día. Discusión: Se observó una alta prevalencia de mala calidad del sueño y también en el consumo de psicoestimulantes que podrían afectar el buen dormir, teniendo consecuencias para el desempeño diario y la salud de estos estudiantes.

Introduction: Sleep disorders are an increasing health problem in occidental societies, affecting daytime functioning both the academic area such as labor. The consumption of Sleep inhibitors by university students has increased. The objective is to know about sleep quality in medical students of San Sebastian's University and determine the prevalence of sleep disorders and psychostimulant use in this population. Material and method: Cross-sectional study. Study group: 65 third year medical students 2012 of San Sebastian's University. It was measured Pittsburgh ́s Sleep Quality Index, sleeping hours, psychoactive substances consumption in the last month. Results: 83% of the subjects were defined as poor sleepers, with mild sleep dysfunction. 53.8% of the students sleep less than 6 hours per day on average. 41.5% consumed psychostimulants and/or energy drinks and the consumption prevalence was higher in poor sleepers. 64.6% consumed at least one cup of coffee a day, consumption is more prevalent in poor sleepers than in good sleepers. 27.7% of subjects reported consuming at least one cigarette a day. Discussion: A very high prevalence of poor sleep quality and consumption of psychoestimulants was observed, this could affect the sleep quality, having consequences for daily performance and health of these students.

Características del fenómeno de las drogas en estudiantes de la Universidad Libre Seccional Pereira / Characteristics of the drug phenomenon in students at the Universidad Libre Seccional Pereira

Objetivo: Caracterizar el consumo de drogas en la Universidad Libre de Pereira en el año 2009,para diseñar políticas institucionales que busquen prevenir y reducir su prevalencia y mejorar la calidad de vida de los estudiantes. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en una población de 3500 estudiantes, distribuidos en 9 programas académicos. Se diseñó una muestra representativa con un nivel de confianza del 95%, un error del 5% y una proporción de pérdida del 30%; se aplicó una encuesta en forma auto-administrada. Resultados: La prevalencia de consumo actual de las sustancias, de mayor a menor fueron: alcohol (71,1%), tabaco (23,5%), bebidas energéticas (21,5%),marihuana (9,7%) y éxtasis (1,5%). Se observó un consumo mayor de alcohol en hombres (78,8%)que en mujeres (66,5%) (P=0,04) y que a mayor riesgo percibido de una sustancia el consumo era menor. Recomendación: Se deben desarrollar estrategias dentro del campus universitario para el fortalecimiento de la salud física, mental, espiritual y emocional de los estudiantes donde se propenda por la atención primaria, el auto-cuidado y los estilos de vida saludables.

Objective: Characterize the drugs consumption at Universidad Libre of Pereira in 2009 to design institutional policies that seek to prevent and reduce prevalence and improve the quality of student life. Methods: Prospective descriptive study in a population of 3500 students in 9 academic programs. A designed a cross studies with a confidence level of 95%, an error of 5% and loss ratios of 30% were surveyed in a self-administered. Results: The prevalence of current use of substances, indescending order was: alcohol (71,1%), Tobacco (23,5%), energy drinks (21.5%), marijuana (9.7 %) andecstasy (1.5%).There was a higher alcohol consumption in men (78.8%) than women (66.5%) (P = 0.04) and that the higher the perceived risk of substance consumption was lower. Recommendation:Developing strategies within the university campus to strengthen the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional development of students which aims for primary care, self-care and healthy lifestyles.