The effects of fructose and caffeine on novel object recognition in male Sprague Dawley rats

Faculty Mentor

David Daberkow

Document Type

Poster

Start Date

10-5-2023 11:15 AM

End Date

10-5-2023 1:00 PM

Location

PUB NCR

Department

Biology

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous studies have demonstrated that caffeine enhances cognitive abilities such as attention, alertness, and memory in both human and animal models. Conversely, excessive consumption of fructose can trigger insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby impairing cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the effects of caffeine and fructose on cognitive function in rats. Specifically, we examined whether short-term exposure to these substances enhances or diminishes cognitive functions.

Methods: Rats were divided into three groups and received either plain tap water (control), water containing fructose (10%), or water containing caffeine (0.3 g/L) for two weeks. Novel object recognition (NOR) was used to test cognitive function. The rats were given five minutes to explore a novel object, and the interactions were recorded on camera. Discrimination Indices (DI) and Preference Indices (PI) were calculated to compare novel and familiar object interaction time.

Results: Fructose-treated rats appeared to exhibit greater cognitive improvement compared to caffeine-treated rats and the control group, as demonstrated by the higher PI scores observed in this group. However, statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed no significant differences (p=0.217867) between the groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that further research is needed to obtain more definitive results. Long-term treatment (8-12 weeks) and repeated testing using NOR may yield more conclusive data.

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May 10th, 11:15 AM May 10th, 1:00 PM

The effects of fructose and caffeine on novel object recognition in male Sprague Dawley rats

PUB NCR

Introduction: Numerous studies have demonstrated that caffeine enhances cognitive abilities such as attention, alertness, and memory in both human and animal models. Conversely, excessive consumption of fructose can trigger insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby impairing cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the effects of caffeine and fructose on cognitive function in rats. Specifically, we examined whether short-term exposure to these substances enhances or diminishes cognitive functions.

Methods: Rats were divided into three groups and received either plain tap water (control), water containing fructose (10%), or water containing caffeine (0.3 g/L) for two weeks. Novel object recognition (NOR) was used to test cognitive function. The rats were given five minutes to explore a novel object, and the interactions were recorded on camera. Discrimination Indices (DI) and Preference Indices (PI) were calculated to compare novel and familiar object interaction time.

Results: Fructose-treated rats appeared to exhibit greater cognitive improvement compared to caffeine-treated rats and the control group, as demonstrated by the higher PI scores observed in this group. However, statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed no significant differences (p=0.217867) between the groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that further research is needed to obtain more definitive results. Long-term treatment (8-12 weeks) and repeated testing using NOR may yield more conclusive data.