Evaluation of differences in cardiovascular and metabolic effects of chronic caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee intake

• Chronic consumption of any type of coffee improves the metabolic profile. • Caffeinated coffee increases systemic blood pressure and vasoconstriction. • Caffeinated coffee decreases endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant response. • Decaffeinated coffee intake is recommended to maintain optimal vascular function. Although coffee is one of the most popular beverages, the relationship between chronic consumption and cardiovascular health remains controversial. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of chronic consumption of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee on biochemical profile and cardiovascular response. Three groups of rats were treated with HPLC characterized caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee and control for six weeks; blood pressure and biochemical profile were analyzed, followed by in vitro aortic ring experiments. The results showed that both coffees reduced blood glucose, AST and ALT. However, only caffeinated coffee elevated blood pressure in vivo, whereas aortic rings with endothelium increased the vasocontractile response; this effect was reversed by the addition of indomethacin and L-NAME also reduced the endothelium-mediated vasodilator response. In conclusion, chronic intake of any type of coffee positively improves biochemical profile. However, caffeinated coffee reduces nitric oxide biosynthesis and increases vasoconstrictor prostanoid production, whereas decaffeinated coffee preserves vascular function.