Gene Expression Study of Some Addictive Genes in the Hippocampal Region of Albino Rats Treated with a Brand of Energy Drink at Sub-Chronic Period

Background Addiction to energy drinks (ED) is a growing concern, with potential impacts on neurobiology and gene expression in the hippocampal region. This study examines the impact of Fearless energy drink (FED) on the expression of addiction-related genes within the hippocampal region of albino rats following sub-chronic exposure. Twenty-four (24) adult albino rats were acclimatised and were randomly assigned into four groups: A, B, C, and D (n = 6). Group A served as the control group, whereas Groups B, C, and D received oral administration of Fearless energy drink via oropharyngeal gavage at daily doses of 7 ml/kg, 14 ml/kg, and 21 ml/kg, respectively, for a continuous period of sixty days. At the end of the administration, brain tissue was excised for molecular studies, and gene expression was analysed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The data were analysed following the manufacturer's instructions for the Real-time PCR instrument. Results The gene expression analysis focused on three genes of interest: The dopamine D₂ receptor (DRD₂), catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), and Mu-1 opioid receptor (OPRM1), all of which are associated with addictive behaviour. These target genes exhibited differential expression levels across the various treatment groups. Notably, the treated samples exhibit varying degrees of down-regulation compared to the control, as indicated by negative delta Ct (∆ Ct) values. This study suggests that the treatment had an impact on suppressing the expression levels of the addictive genes, highlighting the potential impact of the fearless Energy drink on the regulation of the addictive genes of interest. Conclusion The study demonstrates that Fearless energy drink causes a dose-dependent suppression of addiction-related genes (DRD₂, COMT, and OPRM1) in the hippocampus of albino rats. These findings suggest that chronic consumption of energy drinks may disrupt normal neurobiological gene regulation and could contribute to addiction-related changes in the brain.