EFFECT OF CONSUMPTION ENERGY DRINKS AND KHAT (CATHA EDULIS) ON THE ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM OF PLASMA AND KIDNEY OF RABBITS

Background and objective: Premixing energy drinks (EDs) with other stimulants becomes a habit widespread among adolescent and young adult worldwide, the present study has been designed to investigate the short term effect of consumption of both EDs and Khat (Catha edulis) the main constituent is cathinone in the plasma antioxidants of rabbits. Methods: The animals were segregated randomly into four groups; control, Khat (5ml extract/kg), ED (5ml/kg) and Khat + ED groups. After 35 days of administration, the plasma was collected from all animals and their kidneys were removed, perfused and different biochemical assays were performed along with histopathological observations. Results: We have seen that catalase activity and albumin levels were reduced in the Khat + ED group as compared with control, whereas, uric acid level was increased in Khat + ED animals compared with control. Significant changes between other groups were also seen in thiol contents, protein, albumin, cholesterol and UA levels. No significant changes were reported in the plasma glucose and urea levels of rabbits exposed to Khat + ED. However, the hepatocytes morphology has been affected in all treated animals compared with those of normal control. Conclusion: It is concluded that mixing ED with Catha edulis during chewing session might lead to alter the plasma antioxidant status after short term administration which was also seen in the kidney antioxidants and histology. Key words: Antioxidant; Caffeine; Catha edulis; Energy Drinks; Khat.