Effect of short duration caffeine treatment on the jejunum of adult albino rats
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Effect of short duration caffeine treatment on the jejunum of adult albino rats
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
R. Pushpalatha, K. Sri Tulasi, G. Vanithakumari
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Effect of short duration caffeine treatment on the jejunum of adult albino rats
Year: 1995
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the effects of short-duration (21 days) caffeine treatment on the activities of adenosine triphosphatases (ATP-ases) in the jejunum of adult albino rats. Conducted by researchers from Bharathiar University, India, the investigation focuses on understanding how caffeine, a widely used stimulant, influences markers of gut health, potentially affecting nutrient absorption and overall gastrointestinal function. Previous literature highlights caffeine's various pharmacological actions, such as impacts on the central nervous system, gastrointestinal secretions, and electrolyte excretion. However, there has been limited research specifically addressing its effects within the gut.
Inhibition of Na+, K+ ATP–ase Activity
A key finding of the study reveals a significant reduction in Na+, K+-dependent ATP-ase activities in both the mucosal and serosal layers of the jejunum following caffeine treatment. Specifically, at both low (12 mg/kg body weight/day) and high doses (30 mg/kg body weight/day), the activity was markedly decreased, implicating impaired sodium pump function. Conversely, the researchers noted an increase in the activity of Ca2+-dependent ATP–ase in the lower jejunum, which suggests a compensatory mechanism in response to the inhibition of sodium transport. This contradiction highlights an intricate balance of ion transport processes within the jejunal cells, suggesting that caffeine interferes with typical jejunal function by altering enzyme activity and possibly membrane fluidity.
Conclusion
The data obtained from this research provide compelling evidence that caffeine adversely affects the jejuum's mucosal and serosal layers, leading to changes in ATP-ase activity and indicative of altered gut function. The inhibition of the sodium pump and disruptions in ionic transport mechanisms likely contribute to potential gut epithelial damage, raising concerns about the implications of caffeine consumption on gastrointestinal health. These findings broaden the understanding of caffeine as a food toxicant, prompting further investigation into its long-term effects on nutrient absorption and the overall well-being of individuals who consume caffeine regularly.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the focus of the study on caffeine's effects?
The study investigated the effects of short-duration caffeine treatment on adenosine triphosphatases in the jejunum of adult albino rats, specifically looking at the activities of various transport enzymes.
What were the significant findings regarding Na+, K+-dependent ATP-ase?
Caffeine treatment significantly reduced Na+, K+-dependent ATP-ase activity in both mucosal and serosal layers, indicating impaired ionic transport and potential gut function alterations.
How did caffeine affect Ca2+-dependent and HCO3--dependent ATP-ases?
Caffeine administration resulted in increased Ca2+-dependent ATP-ase activity, while the HCO3--dependent ATP-ase showed varied responses depending on the dosage, suggesting complex regulatory interactions in jejunal tissues.
What did the researchers conclude about caffeine's impact?
The study concluded that caffeine has adverse effects on the jejunal mucosal and serosal layers, leading to altered enzyme activities and suggesting potential cell injury or dysfunction.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effect of short duration caffeine treatment on the jejunum of adult albino rats�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the measurement of enzyme performance in biological systems. In the context of this study, it specifically denotes the enzymatic functions of adenosine triphosphatases (ATP-ases) in the jejunum tissue of rats, which are crucial for nutrient absorption and cellular energy management.
2) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used for therapeutic purposes. In this research, caffeine is investigated as a drug and its effects on gut physiology. The study examines caffeine's impact on enzymatic activities, revealing its potential role in altering transport mechanisms within the intestine.
3) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses systematic knowledge gained through observation and experimentation. This study employs scientific methods to explore the physiological effects of caffeine on albino rats. It contributes to the understanding of food toxicology and the interaction between dietary substances and biological systems.
4) Water:
Water is an essential component of all living organisms, acting as a solvent and participating in biochemical reactions. In the experimental setup, rats were given free access to water, ensuring proper hydration, which is vital for maintaining physiological processes, including nutrient transport and enzymatic activity.
5) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drugs and their interactions within biological systems. This investigation focuses on the pharmacological effects of caffeine, examining how it modifies enzyme activities in the jejunum, thereby providing insights into the broader implications of caffeine consumption on gut health.
6) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition involves deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in nutrient intake. The study highlights the significance of evaluating toxicants like caffeine under malnutrition conditions, as its adverse effects could be exacerbated, potentially leading to compromised digestive function and overall health in animals and humans alike.
7) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of a research paper where findings are analyzed and interpreted. In this study, the discussion addresses the implications of altered enzyme activities due to caffeine treatment, elucidating potential mechanisms and suggesting further research directions to understand its effects on gut physiology.
8) Toxicology:
Toxicology is the study of harmful effects of substances on living organisms. This research emphasizes food toxicology as it studies caffeine's potentially adverse effects on the intestinal transport mechanisms, contributing to the understanding of dietary toxicants and their implications for animal and human health.
9) Zoology:
Zoology is the branch of biology that studies animal life. This research is rooted in zoological principles, utilizing adult albino rats as model organisms to examine the physiological impact of caffeine. It bridges fundamental zoological research with applications in human health and dietary science.
10) Tulasi (Tulasī):
Tulasi refers to K. Sri Tulasi, one of the authors of the study. The inclusion of author names signifies collaboration in research, providing a metric for credibility and expertise. Their collective contributions enhance the understanding of caffeine's effects in zoological and nutritional contexts.
11) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste in organisms. Although not directly measured in this study, alterations in jejunal function from caffeine treatment could indirectly influence blood chemistry and overall metabolic health, underscoring the interconnectedness of bodily systems.
12) Diet:
Diet encompasses the food intake of an organism. In this study, the controlled diet of the albino rats ensures consistent nutritional parameters while investigating the effects of caffeine. Dietary factors are crucial in interpreting the physiological responses observed in the treated groups relative to the controls.
13) Hand:
Hand in this context may symbolize human application or the practical handling of experimental protocols. Furthermore, it signifies the skilled execution of research methodologies, embodying the human element in scientific inquiry that translates complex biological interactions into comprehensible and actionable knowledge.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Effect of short duration caffeine treatment on the jejunum of adult albino rats�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Central nervous system, Statistical analysis, Cardiovascular system, Animal house, Mucosal Layer, Standard pellet diet, Cervical dislocation, Adenosine Triphosphatase, Adult albino rats, Caffeine administration, Electrochemical Gradient.