Ethanol analysis following consumption of "alcohol-free" beer

Breath alcohol devices are routinely employed by emergency department personnel to reflect blood ethanol levels. No data have been published using these devices following the ingestion of "alcohol-free" beer that are required to contain < 0.5% alcohol. We performed a prospective, randomized, unblinded study on 8 healthy male volunteers that abstained from alcohol for 48 h and fasted for 10 h. Each subject ingested a 6-pack of alcohol-free beer over 1 h; breath alcohol determinations were made at 30, 60 and 120 min. Elevated breath alcohol levels were obtained at 30 and 60 min and decreased in all but 1 subject by 120 min. The elevated breath alcohol levels at 30 and 60 min may represent the previously reported "mouthwash" effect.     

Comparison of Antioxidant Potentials of Red Wine,White Wine,Grape Juice and Alcohol

Summary

Antioxidant potential (AOP) and non-enzymatic superoxide radical scavenger activity (NSSA) values of red wine, white wine, grape juice and ethyl alcohol were assessed and values were compared. The effects of these beverages on serum AOP and NSSA values were also measured in vitro.

Red wine, white wine and grape juice exert strong antioxidant activity in similar degrees and all produce significant effects on serum AOP and NSSA values. However, ethyl alcohol does not have either AOP or NSSA, nor does it have an effect on serum AOP or NSSA values. AOP values (nrnol/mlh) of red wine, white wine and grape juice were 20.8 k 4.2,23.2 k 4.0 and 24.6 f 4.8, respectively. NSSA values (U/ml) of red wine, white wine and grape juice were 30.4 f 6.8, 26.8 k 5.6 and 32.6 f 5.8, respectively. There were no statistically meaningful differences between AOP and NSSA values of the groups (p > 0.05 for all).

Results suggest that red wine, white wine and grape juice all have high antioxidant potential to protect cellular structures against peroxidation reactions owing to their rich phenolic contents.     

Modulation of haemostatic function and prevention of experimental thrombosis by red wine in rats: a role for increased nitric oxide production.

1. The effects of ethyl alcohol and wine (red and white) on haemostatic parameters and experimental thrombosis were studied in rats; NO was evaluated as a possible mediator of these effects. 2. We found that red wine (12% alcohol) supplementation (8.4 +/- 0.4 ml d-1 in drinking water, for 10 days) induced a marked prolongation of 'template' bleeding time (BT) (258 +/- 13 vs 132 +/- 13 s in controls; P < 0.001), a decrease in platelet adhesion to fibrillar collagen (11.6 +/- 1.0 vs 32.2 +/- 1.3%; P < 0.01) and a reduction in thrombus weight (1.45 +/- 0.33 vs 3.27 +/- 0.39 mg; P < 0.01). 3. Alcohol-free red wine showed an effect similar to red wine. In contrast, neither ethyl alcohol (12%) nor white wine (12% alcohol) affected these systems. 4. All these effects were also observed after red wine i.v. injection (1 ml kg-1 of 1:4 dilution) 15 min before the experiments. 5. The effects of red wine were prevented by the NO inhibitor, N omega nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME). L-arginine, not D-arginine, reversed the effect of L-NAME on red wine infusion. 6. Red wine injection induced a 3 fold increase in total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter values of rat plasma with respect to controls, while white wine and alcohol did not show any effect. 7. Our study provides evidence that red wine modulates primary haemostasis and prevents experimental thrombosis in rats, independently of its alcohol content, by a NO-mediated mechanism.     

Immediate effects on human performance of a 1,5-genzodiazepine (clobazam) compared with the 1,4-benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and diazepam.

1 The immediate effects on human performance of the 1,5-benzodiazepine, clobazam (20 mg), and the 1,4-benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride (20 mg) and diazepam (10 mg), were studied by adaptive tracking and measurement of reaction time. Each drug was ingested at 09.00 h and performance was measured at 09 h 30 min (0.5 h), 11 h 30 min (2.5 h), 14 h 30 min (5.5 h) and 18 h 30 min (9.5 h after ingestion). 2 With diazepam decrements in performance on adaptive tracking were observed at 0.5 h and 2.5 h and performance was enhanced at 9.5 h after ingestion. With clobazam performance at individual times did not differ significantly from control, but there was evidence of an improvement in performance during the day. There was no evidence of impaired performance on adaptive tracking after chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride. 3 Reaction time was slowed at 0.5 h and 2.5 h after diazepam and chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride. A decrease in reaction time was observed at 9.5 h after diazepam. No changes in reaction time were observed after clobazam. 4 The subjects as a group differentiated correctly between performance decrements on adaptive tracking after diazepam and the absence of performance decrements after clobazam and chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride. The persistence of the decrement in performance after diazepam was accurately assessed. 5 It is evident that the nature and persistence of impaired performance and the ability to appreciate impaired performance vary considerably between the benzodiazepines, and that the choice of a benzodiazepine should include careful consideration of performance sequelae.     

Alcohol absorption, gastric emptying and a breathalyser.

1 The value of a portable breathlyser (Alcometer AE-M2) in the assessment of gastric emptying after alcohol ingestion was investigated by comparing breath and venous blood alcohol concentrations with simultaneous scintigraphic measurements of gastric emptying rate. 2 Alcohol absorption, as determined by the area under the venous blood alcohol concentration-time curve during the first 30 min, correlated with gastric emptying during the same period, implying dependence of the rate of alcohol absorption on gastric emptying rate. 3 There was no correlation between breath and venous alcohol concentrations during the first 15 min after alcohol ingestion, but a significant correlation was observed thereafter. 4 Breath alcohol measurements may be sufficient to detect gross alterations in gastric emptying but measurements of venous blood alcohol are likely to be more reliable.     

Effects of acute and repeated alcohol ingestion on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal functioning in normal males.

We investigated the effects of acute and repeated alcohol ingestion on plasma levels of hormones associated with the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) systems in normal males. In the first experiment, 7 normal male subjects were given ethanol (1.3 g/kg) in the form of a 43% alcohol solution of whiskey and water over a 30-min period (from 19:00 h to 19:30 h); blood samples were collected 30 min and immediately before the beginning of alcohol ingestion and then at intervals of 30 min for 180 min. Blood ethanol levels rose sharply and reached their maximum at 60 min, remaining above 1.0 mg/ml until 180 min. Prolactin levels increased, reaching a peak at 60 min, gradually returning to the initial value at 180 min. Decreased testosterone levels were observed only at 30 min. Luteinizing hormone (LH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels did not show any increases. In the second experiment, 9 normal males were given the same dose of alcohol, but this was given on 7 consecutive evenings and the hormonal changes were examined on the 1st and 7th days, only at 30 and 60 min after alcohol ingestion began (during the period that blood ethanol levels were ascending to their peak). The results on the 1st day reconfirmed the findings in the first experiment and on the 7th day, the last alcohol ingestion produced increases in prolactin levels and decreases in testosterone levels at 30 and 60 min, but did not change other hormone levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Plasma concentration of diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam in children after a single rectal or intramuscular dose of diazepam

Summary The absorption of diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam after administration of diazepam solution for parenteral injection per rectum and intramuscularly was studied in 9 children (ages 3–12 years). Rectal administration of diazepam 1 mg/kg led to rapid absorption with plasma levels of 270–320 ng/ml within 5 min, and peak levels of 600–1300 ng/ml 10–60 min after administration. The absorption was comparable to that after intramuscular administration. A second peak in plasma diazepam concentration 6–12 h after dosing was observed in 6 children, which may have been due to mobilization of diazepam from the gastrointestinal mucosa produced by feeding 4 h after administration of the drug. A slowly increasing plasma level of N-desmethyldiazepam was observed during the first 24 h after administration of diazepam.     

Effects of ethanol ingestion on glucose tolerance in people with different genotypes of ALDH2]

Effects of alcohol drinking on glucose tolerance were investigated in male healthy subjects (20-36 years old) with different phenotypes of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Oral glucose tolerance test was performed in each subject twice with and without simultaneous oral ingestion of ethanol. Simultaneous oral ingestion of ethanol (10 g) significantly enhanced the early increase in plasma insulin concentration at 30 min after ingestion of glucose (100 g) in subjects with normal ALDH2 phenotype, while the increase in early insulin response due to alcohol was slight and not significant in those with atypical ALDH2. On the other hand, the early increase in plasma glucose concentration at 30 min after glucose inges-tion was not affected by simultaneous ethanol drinking in both groups of subjects with normal and atypical ALDH2 phenotypes. Thus, drinking alcohol together with a simple sugar causes enhancement of early insulin response, which is more prominent in people with normal ALDH2 phenotype than in those with atypical ALDH2 phenotype.     

Two hundred and thirteen cases of marijuana toxicoses in dogs

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is a commonly used recreational drug among humans; animals may be exposed following ingestion or accidental inhalation of smoke. From January 1998 to January 2002, 213 incidences were recorded of dogs that developed clinical signs following oral exposure to marijuana, with 99% having neurologic signs, and 30% exhibiting gastrointestional signs. The marijuana ingested ranged from 1/2 to 90 g. The lowest dose at which signs occurred was 84.7 mg/kg and the highest reported dose was 26.8 g/kg. Onset of signs ranged from 5 min to 96 h, with most signs occurring within 1 to 3 h after ingestion. The signs lasted from 30 min to 96 h. Management consisted of decontamination, sedation (with diazepam as drug of choice), fluid therapy, thermoregulation and general supportive care. All followed animals made full recoveries.     

Pharmacodynamic interactions of diazepam and intravenous alcohol at pseudo steady state

Pharmacodynamic interactions of low doses of diazepam and alcohol were investigated in a double blind, randomised, 2×2 factorial, cross-over study in eight healthy volunteers. Alcohol or glucose 5% were administered intravenously at rates calculated to maintain breath alcohol levels of 0.5 g/l from 1.5 to 5.5 h after starting the alcohol infusion. Diazepam 5 mg or placebo were administered orally at 1.5 h. Evaluation of pharmacodynamic interactions was performed for the average results of tests performed at 2, 3.5 and 5 h. Plasma concentrations of (desmethyl-) diazepam and breath alcohol levels were measured for pharmacokinetic analysis. Breath alcohol reached pseudo steady state levels of 0.38 g/l (range: 0.24–0.57) after alcohol alone and 0.37 g/l (range: 0.27–0.52) in combination with diazepam. Alcohol effects were demonstrated for latency of saccadic eye movements, smooth pursuit eye movements and subjective drug effects. Diazepam impaired smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movements, adaptive tracking, digit symbol substitution and body sway. The effects of combined alcohol and diazepam were mostly additive without significant synergistic interactions. However, in two subjects large supra-additive effects occurred at 3.5 h following alcohol + diazepam, which were not explained by increased drug levels. The design and methods used in this study proved advantageous in evaluating low dose pharmacodynamic interactions. Despite the absence of significant synergistic interactions, unanticipated impairment of performance may occur in susceptible individuals when taking combined low doses of alcohol and diazepam.     

Lack of effect of acute alcohol ingestion on erythrocyte Na+, K+ -ATPase activity or passive sodium uptake in vivo in man

Erythrocyte ouabain-sensitive 86rubidium uptake (as an index of Na+,K+-ATPase activity) as well as passive sodium uptake were measured in a group of young men in response to drinking either nonalcoholic beer (as a control) or the same drink with alcohol (1 ml/kg) added. Plasma alcohol concentration rose to 16.7 mM within 70 min of commencement of drinking. There was no change in uptake of 86rubidium or sodium after 60 min in either the alcohol or control studies. There was a late increase in plasma sodium levels 90 min after alcohol ingestion, attributed to fluid volume contraction following diuresis. In contrast, plasma potassium levels fell after alcohol ingestion. This was associated with a decrease in urinary potassium excretion, hence ascribed to an intracellular shift of potassium ions, a change inconsistent with NA+,K+-ATPase inhibition. It is concluded that acute moderate doses of alcohol do not influence NA+,K+-ATPase activity or passive sodium uptake in circulating erythrocytes. Unless vascular smooth muscle is more sensitive to the effects of alcohol in vitro, these findings make it less likely that inhibition of NA+,K+-ATPase mediates alcohol-related hypertension in man.     

Comparison of antioxidant potentials of red wine, white wine, grape juice and alcohol

Antioxidant potential (AOP) and non-enzymatic superoxide radical scavenger activity (NSSA) values of red wine, white wine, grape juice and ethyl alcohol were assessed and values were compared. The effects of these beverages on serum AOP and NSSA values were also measured in vitro. Red wine, white wine and grape juice exert strong antioxidant activity in similar degrees and all produce significant effects on serum AOP and NSSA values. However, ethyl alcohol does not have either AOP or NSSA, nor does it have an effect on serum AOP or NSSA values. AOP values (nmol/ml h) of red wine, white wine and grape juice were 20.8 +/- 4.2, 23.2 +/- 4.0 and 24.6 +/- 4.8, respectively. NSSA values (U/ml) of red wine, white wine and grape juice were 30.4 +/- 6.8, 26.8 +/- 5.6 and 32.6 +/- 5.8, respectively. There were no statistically meaningful differences between AOP and NSSA values of the groups (p > 0.05 for all). Results suggest that red wine, white wine and grape juice all have high antioxidant potential to protect cellular structures against peroxidation reaction owing to their rich phenolic contents.     

Salivary secretion of paracetamol in man

Plasma and saliva paracetamol levels were measured by HPLC in ten healthy volunteers who took a therapeutic dose after an overnight fast. Salivary levels of the drug were consistently and significantly higher than those in plasma for the first 50 min after oral ingestion, but saliva and plasma levels correlated closely during the elimination phase. There was a highly significant correlation between the AUC 0-alpha calculated from saliva and plasma paracetamol concentration-time curves. The elevated saliva/plasma ratio for the first 50 min was not due to loss of paracetamol from plasma during sample preparation, binding to plasma protein or adsorption to the buccal mucosa. Administration of probenecid in an attempt to block possible active secretion of paracetamol into saliva did not significantly alter the saliva/plasma concentration ratio for the first 50 min, but did significantly reduce this ratio in the time period 125-360 min. The experimental data conformed to a recently proposed model in which elevated saliva/plasma ratios during the early stages following oral ingestion were related to ongoing absorption into the arterial system.     

Effect of single and repeated electroconvulsive shock on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and plasma catecholamines in rats

The effects of single and repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and plasma catecholamines were studied. Rats were divided into three groups and each group received sham treatment, single ECS, or ten once-daily ECS. Jugular venous blood samples were obtained immediately before treatment and at 10, 30, 60, and 90 min following sham treatment, a single ECS or following the last of ten ECS. Plasma concentrations of corticosterone (CS), ACTH, immunoreactive beta-endorphin (ir-BE), epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) were determined. Following the single ECS plasma CS was significantly elevated at 10 and 30 min, ACTH was significantly elevated at 10, 30, and 60 min, whereas ir-BE and E peaked at 10 min and returned to basal concentration by 30 min. The concentration of plasma NE did not significantly vary at any time point. Following the tenth ECS the concentration of plasma CS revealed a significant attenuation of the increase at 10 and 30 min when compared with the CS changes observed following a single ECS. Plasma ACTH following chronic ECS was also significantly decreased in magnitude at 10, 30, and 60 min when compared with plasma ACTH levels following a single ECS. Ir-BE in plasma following ten ECS mirrored the changes following single ECS. In contrast to the attenuation of CS and ACTH following chronic ECS, the increase in peripheral catecholamines was markedly elevated after the last of ten ECS. Compared with single ECS, ten ECS produced significant increases in plasma E at 10, 30, and 60 min and at 10, 30, 60, and at 90 min for NE. The results of this study indicate that, upon repeated ECS there is an attenuation of the elevation of plasma ACTH and CS, and an enhancement of E and NE responses in comparison with those observed following a single ECS.     

Effects of Bulgarian red and white wines on primary hemostasis and experimental thrombosis in rats

A number of epidemiological studies have demonstrated that moderate red wine consumption significantly decreases the risk of ischemic heart disease. Our earlier studies provide evidence that Italian red wine modulates primary hemostasis and prevents experimental venous thrombosis in rats, independently of its alcohol content, by a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated mechanism. In the present study, we have tested whether Bulgarian red and white wines can influence thrombotic process and primary hemostasis in rats. NO and PGI2 were evaluated as possible mediators of these effects. We have found that red wine treatment (for 10 days) induced a marked prolongation of bleeding time, decrease in platelet adhesion to fibrillar collagen, reduction in venous thrombus weight and shortening of occlusion time in arterial thrombosis model. The fall in venous thrombus weight was also observed after white wine supplementation. Red wine affects hemostasis and venous thrombosis after its iv injection 15 min before experiment. These effects were prevented by NO inhibitor (L-NAME) and PGI2 inhibitor (indomethacin). Our results demonstrate the ability of Bulgarian wines to modulate primary hemostasis and prevent venous and arterial thrombosis in rat.     

Effect of acute and chronic moderate red or white wine consumption on fasted and postprandial lipemia in the rat

The effects of acute and chronic (10 wk) red or white wine consumption on fasted and postprandial lipemia in the rat model are reported. Fasted rats, in the acute study, were loaded intragastrically with 5 ml of an olive oil emulsion (30% w/v) in the presence or absence of wine (8% v/v ethanol), and either mesenteric lymph or blood was collected 3 h postprandially. Animals in the chronic study received either red or white wine in drinking water for a period of 10 wk (3% v/v ethanol). Blood samples were collected from animals in either the fasted state or after fat-wine loading. Postprandially, wine delayed gastric emptying, reduced lymph triacylglycerol (TAG) secretion concomitantly with increased number and decreased chylomicron (CM) size, and increased plasma TAG and CM concentrations. Phospholipid and cholesterol contents of CM, but not very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), were increased, indicating enhanced liver bile secretion; however, a significant increase in plasma VLDL concentration was observed. In the chronic study, a wine-fat load resulted in increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration and less pronounced postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and hyperchylomicronemia. In the fasted state, plasma TAG and total apolipoprotein B concentrations were not modified in these animals, and an increase in HDL and a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/HDL cholesterol ratios were observed. No liver function or intestinal lipid absorption impairment was observed. In conclusion, unlike binge drinking, chronic moderate wine consumption appears to have a cardioprotective effect in the fasted state, an effect attenuated by the observed temporary postprandial hyperchylomicronemia and hypertriglyceridemia resulting from a direct effect of alcohol on CM size and number.     

Correlation between symptoms developed after the oral ingestion of 50 g lactose and results of hydrogen breath testing for lactose intolerance

Background Lactase deficiency is a common condition responsible for various abdominal symptoms. Lactose hydrogen breath test is currently the gold standard in diagnosing lactose intolerance. Aim To assess sensitivity and specificity of symptoms developed after oral lactose challenge. Methods Intensity of nausea, abdominal pain, borborygmi, bloating and diarrhoea was recorded every 15 min up to 3 h after ingestion of 50 g lactose in patients with positive (i.e. breath H2‐concentration ≥20 p.p.m. above baseline) and negative lactose hydrogen breath test. Results Between July 1999 and December 2005, 1127 patients (72% females) underwent lactose hydrogen breath test. A positive result was found in 376 (33%). Sensitivity of individual symptoms ranged from 39% (diarrhoea) to 70% (bloating) while specificity ranged from 69% (bloating) to 90% (diarrhoea). A positive lactose hydrogen breath test was found in 21% of patients with one symptom, 40% of patients with two symptoms, 44% of patients with three symptoms, 67% of patients with four symptoms and 82% of patients with five symptoms. Symptom intensity was significantly higher for each symptom in the positive group. Conclusion Evaluating symptoms developed after ingestion of 50 g lactose can be used as a simple screening test to select patients who need to be referred for lactose intolerance testing.     

Impairment state of cognitive performance and the affecting factors in outpatients following gastrointestinal endoscopy after single-dose diazepam

Diazepam is commonly used as premedicant for endoscopic procedures. Wide interindividual differences have been observed in the residual cognitive effects of the drug after gastrointestinal endoscopy. Our aim was to clarify the major factors, including pharmacokinetic factors, contributing to this wide variation in residual cognitive effect after gastrointestinal endoscopy in the study. Sixty-one outpatients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy participated in the study. Cognitive effects were evaluated in the diazepam group (n=52) by the digit symbol substitution test (DSST) twice before and 30 min after an intravenous administration of 5 mg diazepam; in the intervening time gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed. Plasma concentrations of diazepam were determined by HPLC. The control group (n=9) was tested by DSST in the same manner. The cognitive effects according to the change in DSST score was significantly decline in the diazepam group compared with the control group (by 0.2 versus -4.6; P=0.014). This prospective study confirmed that cognition was significantly impaired after gastrointestinal endoscopy by premedication to subjects with 5 mg diazepam. There were very wide variations in change in DSST score. However we could not identify the independent variables that best predicted DSST score difference in a multiple regression analysis for age, plasma albumin level, and plasma diazepam concentration 30 min after intravenous administration. We should pay attention to patients' individual states in cognitive performance following gastrointestinal endoscopy after single-dose diazepam.     

The effects of an oral thromboxane TP receptor antagonist BAY u 3405, on prostaglandin D2- and histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma, and relationship to plasma drug concentrations.

1. The potent bronchoconstrictors prostaglandin (PG) D2, PG F2 alpha and thromboxane A2 are thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of asthma, mediated via the thromboxane (TP) receptor. 2. BAY u 3405 is a new potent selective competitive TP receptor antagonist. 3. The effect of single oral doses of 20 mg and 50 mg BAY u 3405 was examined against histamine and PG D2 bronchial provocation at 90 min after drug ingestion and, for the 20 mg dose alone, at 60 min after ingestion, in randomised, double-blind placebo controlled crossover studies. A time course study was performed with the 20 mg dose. 4. BAY u 3405 protected against PG D2 bronchial provocation. The 20 mg dose increased the amount of PG D2 required to produce a fall of 20% in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s by 6-fold and 16-fold at 60 min and 90 min after ingestion respectively, and the 50 mg dose by 14-fold at 90 min after ingestion. 5. The specificity of the drug was confirmed in vivo in that there was no significant protection against histamine bronchial provocation at either dose or at either time point. 6. The time course study showed significant protection against PG D2 bronchial provocation at 1 h and at 3 h after a single 20 mg oral dose. 7. There was no correlation between subjects in plasma BAY u 3405 concentration and drug effect. Within the subjects performing the time course study there was a strong correlation in time between drug effect and plasma BAY u 3405 concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

澳洲产红葡萄酒协同洋葱降血糖作用研究

目的研究葡萄酒与葡萄酒协同洋葱对糖尿病模型小鼠血糖的影响。方法用四氧嘧啶致糖尿病小鼠模型,分别观察葡萄酒与葡萄酒协同洋葱对糖尿病小鼠血糖、体质量和胰腺病理切片等的影响。结果葡萄酒与葡萄酒协同洋葱对四氧嘧啶致高血糖小鼠血糖有明显的降低作用,其中葡萄酒+洋葱小、大剂量组对四氧嘧啶致高血糖小鼠的血糖降低作用显著(P<0.05或P<0.01);糖尿病小鼠体质量降低明显,经处理后各组小鼠的体质量均显著增加(P<0.05或P<0.01);糖尿病小鼠的胰腺病理切片病变显著,经处理后各组小鼠的胰腺病理切片均修复良好。结论葡萄酒与葡萄酒协同洋葱对糖尿病模型小鼠具有降低血糖的作用。葡萄酒与葡萄酒协同洋葱对糖尿病模型小鼠的胰腺有保护和修复作用。