Effect of Carbonated Drinks on Uterine Development-An Experimental Study

ABSTRACT Background and Objective: Consumption of Coca-cola and Pepsi-cola has harmful impact on human health. Currently, scant data is available regarding effects of carbonated beverages on female reproductive system. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of carbonated beverages on uterine development and expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor in mice model. Methods: A total of 150 female Kunming mice weighing 20.36 ± 2.28 gm. were divided into five groups with 30 mice in each group. Groups COC-1 and COC-2 mice were given 50% and 100% Coca-cola per oral respectively for 25 days. Groups PEP-1 and PEP-2 mice were given 50% and 100% Pepsi-cola per oral respectively. Control group (CG) mice were given tap-water per oral. Western blotting was done to ascertain the levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) protein in ovaries. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels were measured by ELISA kit. Results: The weight of uterus in the groups COC-2 and PEP-2 was lower than that of CG. Uterine wall and uterine cavities were slightly decreased in Coca-cola and Pepsi-cola groups compared to CG. Uterine mucus was ruffled. Uterus wall thicknesses (UWT) were reduced. In comparison with CG, FSHR protein levels in COC-2 and PEP-2 groups were reduced by 21.14% and 22.80%. Serum FSH levels of COC-1, COC-2 and PEP-1 were less than that of CG. Body weights of the one-week-old mice from COC-2, PEP-1 and PEP-2 groups were increased in COC-2 and PEP-2 groups in comparison with CG (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Oral ingestion of Coca-cola and Pepsi-cola for a longer duration reduces uterine weight, affects the uterine histology and inhibits the uterine development. reduced expression of FSHR protein may be linked with reduced growth and development of new born mice.