Effects of Ethanol and Caffeine Consumption on Neurogenesis, Cell Proliferation, and Apoptosis in the Dentate Gyrus of the Hippocampus of Voluntary Ethanol-Drinking Rats

Author(s): M. Martinez, L. F. Takase, D. R. Baltazar, F. E. Martinez

The combination of ethanol and caffeine, through the consumption of “energy” drinks, is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people, as it is believed that caffeine can antagonize or at least decrease the intensity of the cognitive and motor deficits caused by ethanol intoxication. However, studies have shown that the combination of ethanol + caffeine only decreases the subjective perception of ethanol intoxication without, however, decreasing its intensity. This change in the subjective perception of ethanol intoxication can lead to an increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, potentiating the effects of ethanol on the central nervous system. In addition to the known neurodegenerative effects of ethanol, its excessive consumption also has an important suppressive effect on neurogenesis. The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is one of the only structures where there is neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons, throughout adult life. As the hippocampus is involved in important processes such as learning, memory, and mood regulation, studies suggest that the decrease in neurogenesis in this structure may be directly related to the cognitive and behavioral problems presented in patients with alcoholism. The present study analyzed the effects of the simultaneous use of ethanol and caffeine on cell proliferation, neurogenesis, and apoptosis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of UChB rats. Chronic ethanol ingestion triggered significant changes in the hippocampus of the UChB rats with decreased cell proliferation and neurogenesis, a more significant number of apoptotic cells, and reduced volume of the hippocampus. The simultaneous ingestion of ethanol and caffeine partially reversed the damage of ethanol, acting caffeine with a possible neuroprotective effect.