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Effect of consumption of red wine, spirits, and beer on serum homocysteine

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Abstract

Serum homocysteine increases after moderate consumption of red wine and spirits, not after moderate consumption of beer. Vitamin B6 in beer seems to prevent the alcohol-induced rise in serum homocysteine.

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... Beulens observed a decrease in vitamin B 12 levels and no changes in HCY levels after 3 weeks of beer consumption [27]. Van der Gaag observed no influence of moderate drinking of beer containing 40 g of alcohol on HCY levels and theorized that this is caused by the protective effect of vitamin B 6 contained in beer [28]. In comparison with our results, Beulens observed an increase in vitamin B 6 and pyridoxal-5-phosphate levels similar to van der Gaag [27,28]. ...
... Van der Gaag observed no influence of moderate drinking of beer containing 40 g of alcohol on HCY levels and theorized that this is caused by the protective effect of vitamin B 6 contained in beer [28]. In comparison with our results, Beulens observed an increase in vitamin B 6 and pyridoxal-5-phosphate levels similar to van der Gaag [27,28]. Even though beer contains vitamin B 6 and an increase of vitamin B 6 was described after beer consumption according to some authors, the rise in concentration could be caused by the effect of alcohol, because an increase in vitamin B 6 was not only described after beer consumption but also after the consumption of spirits, which do not contain vitamin B 6 [28]. ...
... In comparison with our results, Beulens observed an increase in vitamin B 6 and pyridoxal-5-phosphate levels similar to van der Gaag [27,28]. Even though beer contains vitamin B 6 and an increase of vitamin B 6 was described after beer consumption according to some authors, the rise in concentration could be caused by the effect of alcohol, because an increase in vitamin B 6 was not only described after beer consumption but also after the consumption of spirits, which do not contain vitamin B 6 [28]. The volume of beer used in our study (830 ml) contains more than one fifth of the recommended daily dose (RDA) of FA, approximately one tenth of the RDA of B 6 and 3.0 % of the RDA of B 12 . ...
Article
To investigate the influence of beer consumption on levels of homocysteine (HCY), vitamin B6, B12, folic acid (FA), dimethylglycine (DMG), betaine (BET) and other selected markers. One hundred and sixteen male volunteers were enrolled in the study. A one-month period of alcohol abstinence was followed by a one month when participants drank 830 mL of alcoholic beer every day. After that phase, one month of alcohol abstinence followed. At the beginning and after every phase blood samples were taken and analysed. Ninety-three participants completed the study. After the phase of alcohol consumption, uric acid (UA) (p<0.0001), antioxidative capacity (AOC) (p=0.02), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (0.025), glutathione reductase (GRH) (0.0001), total cholesterol (p<0.0001), HDL-cholesterol (p<0.0001), Apolipoprotein-AI (ApoAI) (p<0.0001), LDL-cholesterol (p<0.039) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (p<0.009) increased, while vitamin B12 (p=0.0001) and fibrinogen (p<0.0001) decreased. Other tested parameters (DMG, BET, vitamin B6 and FA) did not show any significant changes. UA changes and changes in AOC were statistically significantly correlated (r=0.52, p<0.0001). HCY, DMG and BET levels did not show any statistically significant changes after beer consumption, whereas some markers of redox metabolism increased (UA, AOC, SOD and GRH). A statistically significant correlation denotes the dependence of UA and AOC changes in connection with beer consumption.
... The data on the effect of moderate alcohol consumption on B-vitamin levels are conflicting in the literature. Van der Gaag observed in 11 healthy men drinking red wine, spirits, or beer (40 g of ethanol daily) a decrease in folate concentration only after drinking spirits, with no change in B 12 in all study groups, and an increase in vitamin B 6 after drinking beer and, surprisingly, red wine and spirits too [39]. Gibson showed a decrease in folate and vitamin B 12 after drinking red wine or spirits (24 g of ethanol daily) in 78 healthy males [40]. ...
... Our data did not show efficacy of either vitamin B 6 or vitamin B 12 supplementation in decreasing Hcy. This is in concordance with other authors [37], but van der Gaag [39] found a correlation between B 6 and Hcy change, which was especially pronounced after beer consumption. This does not directly contradict our results, as beer is a source of folic acid, and it is known that a combination of folic acid and vitamin B 6 is more effective than folic acid itself [43]. ...
... The hypothesis that even mild alcohol consumption is associated with a total Hcy increase is supported by several studies [39,40], including our previous research [44]. The fact that some studies (and this article) did not show an increase in Hcy after moderate alcohol consumption [45,46] indicates that influencing factors are rather complex. ...
Article
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Fulltext available here: http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/1/34/html Moderate regular consumption of alcoholic beverages is believed to protect against atherosclerosis but can also increase homocysteine or dimethylglycine, which are putative risk factors for atherosclerosis. We aimed (1) to investigate the effect of alcohol consumption on vitamins and several metabolites involved in one-carbon metabolism; and (2) to find the most effective way of decreasing homocysteine during moderate alcohol consumption. Methods: Male volunteers (n = 117) were randomly divided into five groups: the wine-only group (control, 375 mL of white wine daily for one month) and four groups combining wine consumption with one of the supplemented substances (folic acid, betaine, and vitamins B12 or B6). Significant lowering of homocysteine concentration after the drinking period was found in subjects with concurrent folate and betaine supplementation. Vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 supplementation did not lead to a statistically significant change in homocysteine. According to a multiple linear regression model, the homocysteine change in the wine-only group was mainly determined by the interaction between the higher baseline homocysteine concentration and the change in dimethylglycine levels. Folate and betaine can attenuate possible adverse effects of moderate alcohol consumption. Dimethylglycine should be interpreted together with data on alcohol consumption and homocysteine concentration.
... Conversely, Gibson et al. [54] has shown that two weeks of moderate consumption of alcohol (i.e., red wine, or vodka) increased tHcy and reduced the statuses of both vitamin B9 and B12. In addition, other studies have studied vitamin B status as well [55][56][57]. For example, Van der Gaag et al. [55] showed that type-dependent alcohol had no effect on vitamin B12, but a fall in folate with spirits consumption and an increase in vitamin B6 with all alcohol types were observed. ...
... In addition, other studies have studied vitamin B status as well [55][56][57]. For example, Van der Gaag et al. [55] showed that type-dependent alcohol had no effect on vitamin B12, but a fall in folate with spirits consumption and an increase in vitamin B6 with all alcohol types were observed. In contrast, Laufer et al. [56] only showed an effect of ethanol on vitamin B12, with no effect on vitamin B9. ...
Chapter
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Several studies have shown that blood vitamin levels are low in alcoholic patients. In effect, alcohol use abuse is considered a chronic disease that promotes the pathogenesis of many fatal diseases, such as cancer and liver cirrhosis. The alcohol effects in the liver can be prevented by antioxidant mechanisms, which induces enzymatic as well as other nonenzymatic pathways. The effectiveness of several antioxidants has been evaluated. However, these studies have been accompanied by uncertainty as mixed results were reported. Thus, the aim of the present review article was to examine the current knowledge on vitamin deficiency and its role in chronic liver disease. Our review found that deficiencies in nutritional vitamins could develop rapidly during chronic liver disease due to diminished hepatic storage and that inadequate vitamins intake and alcohol consumption may interact to deplete vitamin levels. Numerous studies have described that vitamin supplementation could reduce hepatotoxicity. However, further studies with reference to the changes in vitamin status and the nutritional management of chronic liver disease are in demand.
... Conversely, Gibson et al. [54] has shown that two weeks of moderate consumption of alcohol (i.e., red wine, or vodka) increased tHcy and reduced the statuses of both vitamin B9 and B12. In addition, other studies have studied vitamin B status as well [55][56][57]. For example, Van der Gaag et al. [55] showed that type-dependent alcohol had no effect on vitamin B12, but a fall in folate with spirits consumption and an increase in vitamin B6 with all alcohol types were observed. ...
... In addition, other studies have studied vitamin B status as well [55][56][57]. For example, Van der Gaag et al. [55] showed that type-dependent alcohol had no effect on vitamin B12, but a fall in folate with spirits consumption and an increase in vitamin B6 with all alcohol types were observed. In contrast, Laufer et al. [56] only showed an effect of ethanol on vitamin B12, with no effect on vitamin B9. ...
Article
Full-text available
Several studies have shown that blood vitamin levels are low in alcoholic patients. In effect, alcohol use abuse is considered a chronic disease that promotes the pathogenesis of many fatal diseases, such as cancer and liver cirrhosis. The alcohol effects in the liver can be prevented by antioxidant mechanisms, which induces enzymatic as well as other nonenzymatic pathways. The effectiveness of several antioxidants has been evaluated. However, these studies have been accompanied by uncertainty as mixed results were reported. Thus, the aim of the present review article was to examine the current knowledge on vitamin deficiency and its role in chronic liver disease. Our review found that deficiencies in nutritional vitamins could develop rapidly during chronic liver disease due to diminished hepatic storage and that inadequate vitamins intake and alcohol consumption may interact to deplete vitamin levels. Numerous studies have described that vitamin supplementation could reduce hepatotoxicity. However, further studies with reference to the changes in vitamin status and the nutritional management of chronic liver disease are in demand.
... Vitamin B-6 plays a role in homocysteine transsulfuration and catabolism, but the relation between vitamin B-6 status and fasting tHcy concentrations has received little attention. An inverse association was reported between circulating tHcy concentrations and protein intake (17), and positive associations were found between homocysteine and consumption of alcohol (18) and coffee (17,19). We used data on nutrition, health, and lifestyle from the fifth examination cycle of the Framingham Offspring cohort to examine known and suspected determinants of fasting plasma tHcy concentrations. ...
... There was a modest positive association between alcohol intake and fasting tHcy concentrations in this cohort, and significant positive associations were seen between tHcy and consumption of liquor and red wine, but not beer and white wine. This finding is similar to the results of a recent randomized trial that showed consumption of liquor and red wine, but not beer, raised tHcy concentrations (18). ...
Article
Background: Established determinants of fasting total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration include folate and vitamin B-12 status, serum creatinine concentration, and renal function. Objective: Our objective was to examine the relation between known and suspected determinants of fasting plasma tHcy in a population-based cohort. Design: We examined the relations between fasting plasma tHcy concentrations and nutritional and other health factors in 1960 men and women, aged 28–82 y, from the fifth examination cycle of the Framingham Offspring Study between 1991 and 1994, before the implementation of folic acid fortification. Results: Geometric mean tHcy was 11% higher in men than in women and 23% higher in persons aged ≥65 y than in persons aged <45 y (P < 0.001). tHcy was associated with plasma folate, vitamin B-12, and pyridoxal phosphate (P for trend < 0.001). Dietary folate, vitamin B-6, and riboflavin were associated with tHcy among non–supplement users (P for trend < 0.01). The tHcy concentrations of persons who used vitamin B supplements were 18% lower than those of persons who did not (P < 0.001). tHcy was positively associated with alcohol intake (P for trend = 0.004), caffeine intake (P for trend < 0.001), serum creatinine (P for trend < 0.001), number of cigarettes smoked (P for trend < 0.001), and antihypertensive medication use (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study confirmed, in a population-based setting, the importance of the known determinants of fasting tHcy and suggested that other dietary and lifestyle factors, including vitamin B-6, riboflavin, alcohol, and caffeine intakes as well as smoking and hypertension, influence circulating tHcy concentrations.
... Augmentation of plasma homocysteine may often be caused by one or more unhealthy lifestyle factors such as smoking, high alcohol consumption, etc. [21]. There are several reports in the literature describing the correlation between alcohol consumption and increased level of plasma homocysteine [22,23], but the content of this compound in alcoholic beverages has not yet been investigated. ...
Article
Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices modified with molecularly imprinted polymers (μPADs@MIPs) were developed for fluorescent detection of targeted thiols via in situ UV-induced formation of quantum dots (μPADs@MIPs@QDs). The selectivity enhancement by the MIP layer formed on the filter paper surface was demonstrated for the isolation of L-homocysteine from wine. Followed by the addition of metal precursors solution (Zn/Cd/Cu) and UV irradiation, fluorescent quantum dots were formed thus enabling quantitative detection of the thiol (serving as a QD capping agent). The effect of different semiconductors was investigated to achieve a lower band gap and higher fluorescence intensity. Increasing fluorescence intensity in the presence of thiol groups was obtained for the following precursors mixture composition: ZnCdCu/S > ZnCd/S > ZnCu/S > ZnS. The proposed method has a good relationship between the fluorescence intensity of ZnCdCu/S QDs and L-homocysteine in a linear range from 0.74 to 7.40 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.51 and 1.71 μM respectively. This method was applied for the determination of L-homocysteine in white wine with RSD under 6.37%.
... Augmentation of plasma homocysteine may often be caused by one or more unhealthy lifestyle factors such as smoking, high alcohol consumption, etc. [21]. There are several reports in the literature describing the correlation between alcohol consumption and increased level of plasma homocysteine [22,23], but the content of this compound in alcoholic beverages has not yet been investigated. ...
... In the Mediterranean diet, the overall intake is more emphasized, with studies supporting the notion that controlling the amount, irrespective of the beverage source, brings protective effects [58,59]. However, there is evidence illustrating that red wine may somehow show a more potent capability of cardiovascular protection [60,61]. Others have argued that this phenomenon can observed in countries that habitually consume wine rather than other alcoholic beverages, terming it the 'French paradox' [62,63]. ...
Article
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Diets for healthy aging have long been an intriguing issue. The current study makes a head-to-head comparison of four dietary patterns and their associations with soluble Klotho (s-Klotho) levels, an aging-related marker. The dietary data of 7906 subjects were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016. Each participant was given a score or was grouped according to four dietary patterns, namely the Mediterranean adherence diet score (MDS), the low-carbohydrate-diet score, a low-fat diet, and a low-carbohydrate diet. Subsequently, the associations with s-Klotho were examined using linear regression analyses. In addition, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) for aging in different dietary patterns, taking the lowest quartile of s-Klotho as a reference for aging. The MDS was the only dietary pattern that revealed a relationship with s-Klotho levels. The positive association (β coefficient: 9.41, p < 0.001) remained significant when dividing the MDS into tertiles (Tertile 2: β coefficient: 36.87, p < 0.001; Tertile 3: β coefficient: 45.92, p < 0.001) and grouping participants into subsets by sex, age, and BMI. A lower OR for aging was observed in higher MDS groups (Tertile 2: OR = 0.86, p = 0.026; Tertile 3: OR = 0.77, p < 0.001). However, when analyzed separately, merely three out of nine components of the MDS, namely alcohol consumption (β coefficient: 42.54, p < 0.001), fruit (β coefficient: 11.59, p = 0.029), and dairy products (β coefficient: 8.55, p = 0.032), showed a significant association with s-Klotho. The Mediterranean diet adopts a food-based approach, which has the merit of valuing the complex interactions between foods and their constituents, and further brings benefits to healthy aging.
... Groups of psoriatic patients based on normal/abnormal HCYS levels did not differ in terms of age. We found that the patients with elevated HCYS had more frequent CCVD-stroke, myocardial infarction, and ischemic heart disease-while the groups did not vary in the frequency of independent cardiovascular risk factors, such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or diabetes mellitus type 2. We did not reveal any differences between the groups in the prevalence of traditional risk factors associated with hyperHCYS (renal [13] and thyroid [14] dysfunction, past smoking [15], alcohol consumption [16], or BMI [17]). In the case of CCVD, some studies pointed at that coronary artery disease (CAD) was not just associated with elevated HCYS levels [18]; furthermore, HCYS levels correlated with the severity of CAD [18,19]. ...
Article
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Background: Psoriasis is linked to atherosclerosis. Homocysteine (HCYS) has been identified as a marker of increased risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD) in population. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether elevated HCYS serves as a marker of increased CCVD in psoriasis and whether biological therapy for long-term monitoring influences HCYS levels. Methods: Clinical data, laboratory tests, and comorbid diagnoses were summarized for the two groups of patients based on entrance HCYS levels. Patients (n = 76) were included in the follow-up gradually over a period of 5 years. Results: The psoriatic patients with normal (54%) and elevated (46%) HCYS before biological treatment did not vary in clinical data, laboratory tests, treatment, and comorbid diagnoses apart from CCVD. Elevated HCYS group showed a four-fold excess of CCVD (OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.21-4.86, p=0.024). HCYS levels in the longitudinal observation did not vary. Conclusion: An increased CCVD risk, independent of other risk factors, is present in psoriatic patients with elevated HCYS. The HCYS level was not influenced by biological therapy in longitudinal observation. Further studies are needed to explore if elevated HCYS could serve as a marker of increased CCVD in any stage of psoriasis and if it should be included in classical screening strategies.
... However, some studies have reported that non-ethanol content, like polyphenols abundant in red wine or vitamins and minerals in beer, may exert additional beneficial effects on health (Van Der Gaag et al., 2000;Estruch et al., 2004). Distilled spirits are widely regarded as more harmful than wine and beer, even at equivalent levels of consumption. ...
Article
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Aims There is limited research comparing light to moderate wine, beer and spirits consumption and their impact on long-term health. This systematic review aims to investigate the studies published in the past 10 years and qualitatively assess the similarities and differences between the three main beverages, when consumed at a low to moderate level, for their associations with various health outcomes. Methods A systematic search was conducted for comparative studies published in English language (2010 to mid-2021) of beverage-specific low to moderate alcohol consumption associated with all-cause mortality, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus type II. Results The search yielded a total of 24 studies (8 meta-analyses; 15 prospective studies and 1 pooled analysis). Overall, most studies showed similar associations of different alcoholic beverages with chronic conditions, including all-cause mortality, many types of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus type II. Not all data are consistent. Some studies show more beneficial or detrimental effects of wine than other beverage types, whereas other studies show such effects for other beverages. Conclusion Moderate consumption of one specific alcoholic beverage (wine, beer or spirits) may not be consistently associated with higher or lower risks for common health outcomes as compared with moderate consumption of any of the other alcoholic beverages.
... Regarding smoking habit, a previous research in Italian blood donors showed no association when analyzed folate concentrations in blood [24], but low serum folate was related with smoking in others [23,25]. Moreover, studies that evaluated the effects of alcohol consumption on serum folate indicated that the relationship could depend on the type of alcoholic beverage consumed [26]. ...
Article
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Purpose To define blood status of folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, homocysteine, and major one-carbon metabolism-related polymorphisms in healthy, males and females blood donors, aged 18–65 years were evaluated. General characteristics and lifestyle factors were also investigated. Methods An explorative cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate a sample of blood donors attending the Unit of Transfusion Medicine of the Verona University Hospital, Italy. From April 2016 to May 2018, 499 subjects were enrolled (255 men, 244 women of whom 155 of childbearing age). Major clinical characteristics including lifestyle and dietary habits, B vitamins and homocysteine were analyzed. The MTHFR 677 C>T, cSHMT 1420 C>T, DHFR 19 bp ins/del, RFC1 80 G>A polymorphisms were also determined. Results Mean plasma concentrations of folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and homocysteine were 14.2 nmol/L (95% CI 13.7–14.8), 271.9 pmol/L (95% CI 262.6–281.5), 51.0 nmol/L (95% CI 48.7–53.4) and 13.5 µmol/L (95% CI 13.1–14.0), respectively. Plasma folate, was adequate (> 15 nmol/L) in 44.7% of all subjects, 39.0% of males and 42.5% of women < 45 years. Similarly, vitamin B12 was adequate (> 350 pmol/L) in 25.1% of all subjects and in 20.3% of men ≥ 45 years. The rare allele frequencies were 0.21 for MTHFR 677TT, 0.11 for cSHMT 1420TT, 0.18 for DHFR 19 bp del/del, 0.20 for RFC1 80AA, and a gene–nutrient interaction was confirmed for folate concentrations according to MTHFR 677C>T and DHFR 19 bp del/del. Conclusion An Italian sample of healthy blood donors shows that an adequate concentration of plasma folate and vitamin B12 is reached only in a limited percentage of subjects, thus encouraging consideration for specific public health strategies.
... Hyperhomocysteinemia in alcoholics is also exacerbated by a lack of dietary elements that serve as cofactors (i.e., Vitamin B12, B6, and folate) for hepatic methionine metabolism [9]. Elevated homocysteine levels have been observed with the consumption of every spirit and wine in moderate drinkers [10]. The Franconian Alcoholism Research Studies (FARS) reported elevated homocysteine levels in 144 non-abstinent heavy drinkers; [11] however, patterns of drinking and recent drinking assessments were not part of this study. ...
Article
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Heavy alcohol consumption can cause hyperhomocysteinemia, which could be consequential in the proinflammatory response and worsening of the neurobehavioral domains of alcohol use disorder (AUD), such as alcohol withdrawal. We examined the role of heavy drinking, hyperhomocysteinemia, gut dysfunction and inflammation in early-stage alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in AUD patients. A total of 110 AUD patients without clinical manifestations of liver injury were grouped by the serum homocysteine levels (SHL): normal ≤ 13 µmol/L (Group 1 (Gr.1); n = 80), and elevated > 13 µmol/L (Group 2 (Gr.2), n = 30). A comprehensive metabolic panel, SHL, a nutritional assessment, and drinking history assessed by the timeline followback questionnaire were evaluated. A subset analysis was performed on 47 subjects (Gr.1 n = 27; Gr.2 n = 20) for additional measures: Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA) score, plasma cytokines (interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), gut dysfunction markers (lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS-binding protein (LBP)); 27% of the AUD patients exhibited hyperhomocysteinemia. SHL was significantly associated (p = 0.034) with heavy drinking days (HDD90). Subset analyses showed that the withdrawal ratings were both clinically and statistically (p = 0.033) elevated and significantly associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (p = 0.016) in Gr.2. LBP, IL1-β, SHL, and HDD90 showed significant cumulative effects (adjusted R2 = 0.627) on withdrawal ratings in Gr.2 subset. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly higher in all Gr.2 patients; AUROC showed a fair level of true positivity for ALT (0.676), and AST (0.686). Il1-β, LBP, SHL, and HDD90 showed significant cumulative effects (adjusted R2 = 0.554) on the elevated ALT in Gr.2 subset as well. The gut-brain derived proinflammatory response, patterns of heavy drinking, and hyperhomocysteinemia were closely associated with clinically elevated alcohol withdrawal and elevated liver injury. Hyperhomocysteinemia could have a potential phenotypic marker response indicative of early-stage ALD along with AUD.
... The paradoxical effect of moderate alcohol consumption on plasma PLP concentration has been ascribed to the vitamin B6 content in beer [7]. However, a small randomized, diet-controlled trial has shown that, not only beer, but also post-meal consumption of red wine and spirits significantly increased plasma PLP concentration, compared to consumption of water [41]. These observations suggest that the beneficial effect of moderate alcohol consumption on plasma PLP may pertain to direct effects of ethanol on vitamin B6 handling by the human body. ...
Article
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Background: a large number of studies have linked vitamin B6 to inflammation and cardiovascular disease in the general population. However, it remains uncertain whether vitamin B6 is associated with cardiovascular outcome independent of inflammation. Methods: we measured plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), as an indicator of vitamin B6 status, at baseline in a population-based prospective cohort of 6249 participants of the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease (PREVEND) study who were free of cardiovascular disease. As indicators of low-grade systemic inflammation, we measured high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and GlycA; Results: median plasma PLP was 37.2 (interquartile range, 25.1-57.0) nmol/L. During median follow-up for 8.3 (interquartile range, 7.8-8.9) years, 409 non-fatal and fatal cardiovascular events (composite outcome) occurred. In the overall cohort, log transformed plasma PLP was associated with the composite outcome, independent of adjustment for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio, and blood pressure (adjusted hazard ratio per increment of log plasma PLP, 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.47-0.93). However, adjustment for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and GlycA increased the hazard ratio by 9% and 12% respectively, to non-significant hazard ratios of 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.51-1.01) and 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.53-1.05). The association of plasma PLP with cardiovascular risk was modified by gender (adjusted Pinteraction = 0.04). When stratified according to gender, in women the prospective association with cardiovascular outcome was independent of age, smoking, alcohol consumption, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and GlycA (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.50, 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.94), while it was not in men (adjusted hazard, 0.99, 95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.51). Conclusions: in this population-based cohort, plasma PLP was associated with cardiovascular outcome, but this association was confounded by traditional risk factors and parameters of inflammation. Notably, the association of low plasma PLP with high risk of adverse cardiovascular outcome was modified by gender, with a stronger and independent association in women.
... Current and former smokers show frequently lower PLP concentrations than subjects who had never smoked what might be a result of oxidative stress caused by smoking [43]. Some studies reported a positive association between vitamin B 6 status parameters and alcohol consumption [46,47]. This observation might be explained by a higher vitamin B 6 intake due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or changes in transsulfuration and methylation processes [46]. ...
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Background: The Nutrition Societies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as the joint editors of the "D-A-CH reference values for nutrient intake" have revised the reference values for vitamin B6 in summer 2019. Summary: For women, the average requirement (AR) for vitamin B6 intake was derived on the basis of balance studies using a pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) plasma concentration of ≥30 nmol/L as a biomarker of an adequate vitamin B6 status. The recommended intake (RI) was derived considering a coefficient of variation of 10%. The RIs of vitamin B6 for men, children, and adolescents were extrapolated from the vitamin B6 requirement for women considering differences in body weight, an allometric exponent, growth factors as appropriate, and a coefficient of variation. For infants aged 0 to under 4 months, an estimated value was set based on the vitamin B6 intake via breast feeding. The reference value for infants aged 4 to under 12 months was extrapolated from the estimated value for infants under 4 months of age and the average vitamin B6 requirement for adults. The reference values for pregnant and lactating women consider the requirements for the foetus and the loss via breast milk. Key Messages: According to the combined analysis of 5 balance studies, the AR for vitamin B6 to ensure a plasma PLP concentration of ≥30 nmol/L is 1.2 mg/day for adult females and the extrapolated AR for adult males is 1.3 mg/day. The corresponding RIs of vitamin B6 are 1.4 mg/day for adult females and 1.6 mg/day for adult males, independent of age. For infants, the estimated value is 0.1 mg/day and 0.3 mg/day, depending on age. The AR of vitamin B6 for children and adolescents ranges between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/day, and the RI is between 0.6 mg/day and 1.6 mg/day. During pregnancy, the AR is 1.3 mg/day in the first trimester and 1.5 mg/day in the second and third trimesters; the RI is 1.5 mg/day in the first trimester and 1.8 mg/day in the second and third trimesters. For lactating women, the AR is 1.3 mg/day and the RI is 1.6 mg/day.
... Moderate beer drinking has been reported to increase plasma antioxidant and anticoagulant activities, to positively affect plasma lipid levels, and to exert protective effects on cardiovascular risk in humans [9][10][11][12]61]. Moreover, beer drinking seems to have no effect or even an inverse effect on total homocysteine concentration [62]. In conclusion, beer can contribute to the overall dietary intake of antioxidants and food addition to beer can significantly strengthen this contribution. ...
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The antioxidant activity and polyphenols content of beer associated with its low alcohol content are relevant factors for an evaluation of the nutritional quality of beer. To investigate the effect of adding foods on the nutritional quality of beer, seven special beers that were commercially available and produced adding natural foods (walnut, chestnut, cocoa, honey, green tea, coffee, and licorice) during the fermentation process were analyzed for their polyphenols and flavonoids contents, phenolics profile, and antioxidant activity. The results obtained showed that most of the special beers under study possessed antioxidant activity, as well as total polyphenols and flavonoids contents notably higher as compared with the five conventional beers analyzed. The highest polyphenols and flavonoids contents were exhibited in cocoa, walnut, chestnut, and licorice beers, followed by coffee, honey, and green tea beers. Antioxidant activity decreased in the order walnut, cocoa, chestnut, licorice, coffee, honey, and green tea. Most special beers were enriched in catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin, quercetin, and resveratrol. The content of phenolic acids, especially ferulic, p-coumaric, syringic, and sinapic acids was generally higher in special beers as compared with conventional beers. Our findings showed that the addition of natural foods during the fermentation process remarkably increased antioxidant activity of beer and qualitatively and quantitatively improved its phenolics profile.
... Second, serum folate concentrations are directly influenced by the intake of folate fortified foods [34]. Further, alcohol consumption from red wine or spirits, but not from beer (a rich source of folate and vitamin B6) elevates homocysteine levels [35]. Alcohol consumption might also be associated with endothelial dysfunction [36]. ...
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Background Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been proposed as an important cardiovascular risk factor (cRF). However, little is known about the association between plasma homocysteine levels and peripheral microvascular endothelial dysfunction (PMED), which is an integrated index of vascular health. Methods This cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent non-invasive PMED assessment using reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT). The association between HHcy and PMED, and its impact on MACE (all-cause mortality and atherosclerotic cardiovascular events) was investigated. Results A total of 257 patients were enrolled (HHcy > 10.0 µmol/L, N = 51; lower levels of homocysteine [LHcy] ≤ 10 µmol/L, N = 206). Patients with HHcy were older, predominantly males, and with more comorbidities than patients with LHcy (p < 0.05 for all). RH-PAT index was lower in patients with HHcy versus LHcy (p = 0.01). A significant association between HHcy and PMED was observed in older (≥60 years), obese (≥30 kg/m²), present/past smokers and hypertensive patients. HHcy was significantly associated with PMED even after adjusting for other cRF and B-vitamins supplementation. HHcy was associated with an increased risk of MACE with a hazard ratio of 3.65 (95% CI 1.41–9.48, p = 0.01) and an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.44 (95% CI 0.91–6.51, p = 0.08) after adjustment for age (≥60 years). Conclusion HHcy was independently associated with PMED after adjusting for cRF and B-vitamins supplementation. Thus, the link between homocysteine and MACE could be mediated by endothelial dysfunction, and will require further clarification with future studies.
... A number of studies have showed that consumption of alcohol correlates with elevated plasma/serum Hcy [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40]. According to a systematic literature review, excessive drinking was more prevalent among psoriasis patients than in the general population and psoriasis patients consumed more alcohol than the controls [41]. ...
Article
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Psoriasis is caused by a complex interplay among the immune system, genetic background, autoantigens, and environmental factors. Recent studies have demonstrated that patients with psoriasis have a significantly higher serum homocysteine (Hcy) level and a higher prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy). Insufficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12 can be a cause of HHcy in psoriasis. Hcy may promote the immuno-inflammatory process in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by activating Th1 and Th17 cells and neutrophils, while suppressing regulatory T cells Moreover, Hcy can drive the immuno-inflammatory process by enhancing the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in related to psoriasis. Hcy can induce nuclear factor kappa B activation which is critical in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. There may be a link between the oxidative stress state in psoriasis and the effect of HHcy. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may play a protective role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the deficiency of H2S in psoriasis may be caused by HHcy. As the role of Hcy in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is most likely established, Hcy can be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of psoriasis. Systemic folinate calcium, a folic acid derivative, and topical vitamin B12 have found to be effective in treating psoriasis.
... Mild to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system (Arranz et al., 2012;Gronbaek et al., 1995;Kaplan & Palmer, 2000). Moreover, beer drinking seems to have no effect or even an inverse effect on total homocysteine concentration ( Van der Gaag, Ubbink, Sillanaukee, Nikkari, & Hendriks, 2000). In conclusion, beer may contribute to the overall dietary intake of antioxidants and fruit addition to beer may significantly strengthen this contribution, due to the relevant polyphenols content of fruits. ...
Article
Total polyphenols and flavonoids content, phenolics profile by HPLC, and antioxidant activity of ten fruit beer produced adding fruits during the fermentation process were analyzed. The fruits were: cherry, raspberry, peach, apricot, grape, plum, orange and apple. Antioxidant activity, total polyphenols and flavonoids content were considerably higher in most of the fruit beers in respect to conventional, no-fruit beers. Cherries beers exhibit the highest values, followed by grape, plum and orange beers. An enrichment was observed in catechin and quercetin content in all fruit beers examined. Myricetin and resveratrol were also detected in most of the fruit beers. Among phenolic acids, an enrichment in chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, p-coumaric and caffeic acids was measured in most of the fruit beers in respect to conventional beers. Our findings show that fruits addition during the fermentation process considerably increased the antioxidant activity of beer and qualitatively and quantitatively improved its phenolics profile.
... Específicamente con la cerveza, y no con otras bebidas alcohólicas, se ha demostrado en individuos con elevado riesgo vascular que incrementa las células endoteliales circulantes que podrían ayudar a mantener la integridad del endotelio y que, además, reduce la concentración plasmática de homocisteína, inductora de daño endotelial, probablemente por la gran cantidad de piridoxina y folatos que contiene (21). Estos efectos, que ya se observan en las primeras semanas de intervención (22), sugieren que el consumo moderado de cerveza puede tener una papel relevante en evitar o retrasar la disfunción endotelial, que es uno de las primeras etapas de la arteriosclerosis. ...
Article
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Introduction: A large evidence-based reports a J-shaped association among moderate alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health. Low-moderate alcohol intake has been related to lower all-cause mortality (20%) and ischemic heart events (40%) compared to abstainers. The dose that is allegedly beneficial varies between 10-20 gr/day for women and men respectively. Moreover, the drinking pattern seems to be significant in order to get healthy effects. Moderate alcohol consumption hinders atherogenesis by several mechanisms mainly improving lipid profile and reducing thrombogenesis. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether high-polyphenol alcoholic beverages, such as wine and beer, confer a greater cardiovascular protection than spirits, which have much less polyphenol content.
... These findings may imply that both red wine and wine from ASA contains considerable same amount of antioxidants boosting abilities in them which helps them to scavenge free radicals generated in the body. This result is in line with the findings of Van der et al. [33] that moderate consumption of red wine does not affect plasma antioxidants capacity but they contain good antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids which can help fight cancerous cells in the body. ...
Article
The polyphenol content in wines have been documented to exhibit many health benefits in mammals. In this study, the effect of African Star Apple (ASA) wine extract on some biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were investigated in experimental rats. Animals were administered with the ASA wine extract and Baron Wine at 5% and 9% concentration ad libitum for 21 days. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes activities were determined in the erythrocytes and brain tissue homogenates of rats. The ASA wine extract and the standard red wine had no significant difference (p < 0.05) on the activities of ALT, AST, ALP and acetylcholineesterase when compared with the control group. Both extracts at 9% concentration produced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in catalase, superoxide dismutase and gluthathione activities in the brain when compared with the control of the group. The ASA wine extract and the standard red wine caused a reduction in the malodialdehyde and NO levels in the treated rats as compared to the control. These findings suggest that ASA wine may have similar biochemical and cholinergic effect on biological system. These results suggest that red wine may have a neuro–protective effect against oxidative stress possibly via antioxidant activities.
... Específicamente con la cerveza, y no con otras bebidas alcohólicas, se ha demostrado en individuos con elevado riesgo vascular que incrementa las células endoteliales circulantes que podrían ayudar a mantener la integridad del endotelio y que, además, reduce la concentración plasmática de homocisteína, inductora de daño endotelial, probablemente por la gran cantidad de piridoxina y folatos que contiene (21). Estos efectos, que ya se observan en las primeras semanas de intervención (22), sugieren que el consumo moderado de cerveza puede tener una papel relevante en evitar o retrasar la disfunción endotelial, que es uno de las primeras etapas de la arteriosclerosis. ...
... Thrombolysis: Stimulation of plasminogen activator has been observed [56]. Tissue factor: A reduction of this protein, which probably plays an important role in atherogenesis, has been reported in regular drinkers [57]. ...
Article
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Hippocrates, the father of medicine, had said: “Wine is a thing wonderfully appropriate to man if, in health as in disease, it is administered with appropriate and just measure according to the individual constitution.” Wine has always accompanied humanity, for religion or for health. Christians and Jews need wine for the liturgy. For Plato, wine was an indispensable element in society and the most important in the symposium. In this second part of the banquet, mixed with water, the wine gave the word. If the French paradox made a lot of ink flow; it was the wine that was originally responsible for it. Many researchers have tried to study alcohol and polyphenols in wine, in order to solve the mystery. Beyond its cardiovascular effects, there are also effects on longevity, metabolism, cancer prevention, and neuroprotection, and the list goes on. The purpose of this work is to make an analysis of the current knowledge on the subject. Indeed, if the paradigm of antioxidants is seductive, it is perhaps by their prooxidant effect that the polyphenols act, by an epigenetic process mediated by nrf2. Wine is a preserve of antioxidants for the winter and it is by this property that the wine acts, in an alcoholic solution. A wine without alcohol is pure heresy. Wine is the elixir that by design, over millennials, has acted as a pharmacopeia that enabled man to heal and prosper on the planet. From Alvise Cornaro to Serge Renaud, nutrition was the key to health and longevity, whether the Cretan or Okinawa diet, it is the small dose of alcohol (wine or sake) that allows the bioavailability of polyphenols. Moderate drinking gives a protection for diseases and a longevity potential. In conclusion, let us drink fewer, but drink better, to live older.
... Smokers had lower levels of folic acid than non-smokers (Chen et al., 2015). Study showed drinking alcohol affected metabolism of Hcy, raising the level of Hcy (van der Gaag et al., 2000;Gonzalez-Ortiz et al., 2005). Gibson's research (Gibson et al., 2008) found that drinking alcohol lowered the levels of folid acid and vitamin B12 and raised the level of blood Hcy. ...
Article
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Background: This cross-section investigation included 2,199 participants with hypertension complicated by diabetes mellitus, a cohort of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial in which 20,702 patients with essential hypertension were given enalapril with folic acid or enalapril-only double-blind treatment for 5 years. This study aimed to explore the correlation between folic acid supplementation and retinal atherosclerosis (RA) in adults with hypertension complicated by diabetes mellitus. Methods: The diagnosis of RA was determined by non-mydriatic fundus photography and classified by the Keith-Wagener-Barker system. The statistical correlation of folic acid supplementation with RA prevalence and severity was assessed. Results: Of our cohort, 1,698 (77.6%) participants were diagnosed with RA, and the prevalence in males and females was 78.0 and 75.6%, respectively. Participants in the enalapril group had higher total homocysteine (tHcy) levels than those in enalapril–folic acid group. Compared with the enalapril group in the tHcy > 15 μmol/L group of females, the odds ratio for the enalapril–folic acid group was 0.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.67, P = 0.0061). Conclusions: The prevalence of RA was high (77.6%) in our cohort of adults with hypertension complicated by diabetes mellitus. Folic acid supplementation was significantly associated with reduced risk of RA in females with hyperhomocysteinemia. No significant association were seen in males.
... This was demonstrated in experimental observations suggesting the presence of decreased intestinal absorption, as well as general reduction in the trans-membranous folate transport in uremia. 19,20,21 Livant and his team have further speculated that uremia could result in defective folate glutamination. 22 The Hcy level in this study was found to be higher in patients treated by HDF and high-flux membrane compared to those treated by traditional HD, but the difference between the two groups did not reach statistical difference. ...
Article
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Hyperhomocysteinemia is a non-traditional independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is highly prevalent in Western dialysis patients, while its prevalence in the Middle East is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia among our hemodialysis (HD) patients, and to identify correlations between homocysteine and diabetes mellitus (DM), folic acid, and dialysis modality. Homocysteine and folate levels were measured in 83 stable HD patients: 52 males, mean age 56.4±17.6 years, 58% were diabetic, 61% were treated by traditional HD, and 39% treated by online hemodiafiltration (HDF). Of the studied patients, 99% have abnormal homocysteine with a mean level of 27±10.8 mmol/L. The homocysteine level in diabetics and non-diabetics was 28.7±11.3 and 25.5±9.7, respectively (P=0.17); the level in HDF and HD patients was 29.7±10.5 and 25.8±10.5, respectively (P=0.1). In summary, hyperhomocysteinemia is highly prevalent in our HD population.
... Es importante saber también que justamente la lecitina (colina) y las grasas insaturadas que contiene la yema reducen la absorción intestinal de colesterol en nuestro organismo. Numerosos estudios epidemiológicos han demostrado que el consumo de cantidades moderadas de alcohol, de 10 a 30 g de etanol al día, reduce la mortalidad cardiovascular, debida fundamentalmente a cardiopatía isquémica aterosclerótica y a accidentes cerebrales isquémicos, respecto a los abstemios ( Van der Gaag MS et al, 2000). Este efecto beneficioso sobrepasa los riesgos del consumo de alcohol en los grupos de población con mayor riesgo aterosclerótico: personas de edad, individuos con factores de riesgo y pacientes con eventos coronarios previos. ...
Conference Paper
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The author stresses the importance of eating plant foods, especially whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruit, some fish and very little meat, especially bird, rabbit ; abundance in nuts: Mediterranean populations consume nuts (almonds , nuts, hazelnuts ...) You can have some red wine in your meals. Fresh fruits and vegetables are eaten according to the seasons. Leafy vegetables and fruits are present at all meals. Frequent vegetables are also beans, beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils ... and, during the winter, dehydrated fruit, such as the famous currants, but also figs and apricots. They consume eggs, two to four a week. Fermented dairy products (cheese and yogurts, not pasteurized milk) and preferably goats or sheep are also moderately consumed. Olive oil is the only oil that is used for cooking, preferably virgin (salads) and neither does the use of butter or polyunsaturated oils (such as sunflower or corn). Aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme and oregano), garlic and onion are widely used to prepare meals, as well as lemon juice and other citrus fruits. The new healthy eating pyramid of the SENC (Spanish Society of Community Nutrition), at its peak, shows a pennant that includes nutritional supplements and at its base stands out, while eating, daily physical activity, adequate rest and a pleasant coexistence. Keywords Preventive Mediterranean diet in cardiovascular disease and oncology El autor destaca la importancia de comer alimentos vegetales, especialmente cereales integrales, verduras, legumbres y fruta, algo de pescado y muy poca carne, especialmente de ave, conejo... Abunda en frutos secos: Las poblaciones mediterráneas consumen frutos de cáscara (almendras, nueces, avellanas…) Puede tomarse algo de vino tinto en las comidas. Las frutas y verduras frescas se consumen según las estaciones. Las verduras de hoja y frutas están presentes en todas las comidas. Frecuentes son también las legumbres: judías, habas, guisantes, garbanzos, lentejas... y, durante el invierno, fruta deshidratada, como las famosas pasas de Corinto, pero también higos y albaricoques. Se consumen huevos, de dos a cuatro a la semana. También moderadamente se consumen productos lácteos fermentados (queso y yogures, no de leche pasteurizada) y preferentemente de cabra o de oveja. El aceite de oliva es el único aceite que se usa para cocinar, preferentemente virgen (ensaladas) y ni se plantean el uso de mantequilla ni de aceites poliinsaturados (como el de girasol o el de maíz). Las hierbas aromáticas (romero, tomillo, orégano), el ajo y la cebolla se usan ampliamente para preparar las comidas, así como el zumo de limón y otros cítricos. La nueva pirámide de la alimentación saludable de la SENC (Sociedad Española de Nutrición Comunitaria), en su cúspide, muestra un banderín que incluye los suplementos nutricionales y en su base se destacan, mientras se come, una actividad física diaria, un descanso adecuado y una convivencia agradable. Palabras Clave Dieta Mediterránea preventiva enfermedad cardiovascular y oncológica.
... Several authors since the early 1990s have studied the association between HHcy and AUD, reporting both that the increase of Hcy among AUD patients is proportional to AUD severity and that alcohol abstinence leads to a reduction of blood homocysteine concentration (BHC) [6][7][8][9][10][11]. Furthermore, some studies have reported a higher level of Hcy among those with AUD than among either controls or the general population, with measurements ranging from 13 to 120 μmol/l [6,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. ...
Article
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Abstract Background Blood homocysteine concentration (BHC) is higher in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Previous studies have found a relationship between depressive symptoms severity and BHC in AUD patients and recently some authors have found high BHC among patients with bipolar disorder, both during manic and depressive episodes and in euthymic state. However, BHC in patients with mixed mood episode has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the BHC of patients with AUD and mixed mood episode. Methods A sample of AUD outpatients was assessed by Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI Plus): those with a DSM-IV-TR mood disorder with mixed features were included in the MIXED group (n = 45), whereas those without mood episode were gathered in the NO MOOD group (n = 23). Two subgroups, MIXMANIA and MIXDEPRESSION, were formed according to the prevalence of manic or depressive symptoms, assessed by Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS). The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to appraise the AUD. BHC was determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results The MIXED group showed greater severity of both depressive (26.35 ± 9.96 vs. 4.77 ± 0.92; p
... Inconsistent findings may exist because the effect of alcohol depends on the type of alcoholic beverage, as beer is a rich source of folate and vitamin B 6 , whereas red wine and spirits contain negligible amounts of these vitamins. 47 In conclusion, the present study demonstrates a strong interaction between the MTHFR 677TT genotype and lifestyle variables and an increase in the risk of elevated blood Hcy concentrations in young adult males. Therefore, differences exist between gene-lifestyle interactions according to the sex, occurring earlier in men than in women. ...
Article
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Background/objectives: Homocysteine (Hcy) is a key intermediate in methionine metabolism. A high plasma concentration of Hcy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases among other determinants. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interactions between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme gene (MTHFR) polymorphisms and lifestyle variables (smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity) on Hcy concentrations in a young Brazilian population. Subjects/methods: The study population comprised 3803 individuals from the Pelotas Birth Cohort, aged 22-23 years. Allelic discrimination assays and chemiluminescence immunoassays were performed for genotyping and serum Hcy measurements, respectively. Linear regression models were used to explore the effect of gene-lifestyle interactions on Hcy concentrations. Results: Men carrying the MTHFR 677TT genotype, who were also smokers and drinkers (⩾15 g of alcohol per day), had the highest concentration of Hcy (P-value for the interaction <0.001 for smoking and 0.002 for alcohol intake). In contrast, high folate concentrations attenuated the effects of the MTHFR C677T genotype on serum Hcy concentrations (P-value for interaction <0.001). Also, among males, blood folate concentration was the only lifestyle variable able to modify the influence of MTHFR A1298C genotypes on Hcy concentrations (P-value for the interaction <0.001). There was no strong evidence of an interaction between the MTHFR genotypes and the lifestyle variables in women. Conclusions: In summary, our study demonstrates a sex difference in Hcy concentrations among Brazilian young adults regarding MTHFR C677T-lifestyle interactions that are worsened under conditions of low blood folate. Identification of potentially modifiable factors related to an increase in homocysteine in young adults, especially in those who are genetically susceptible, is important to prevent negative health consequences in the future.
... Also intervention studies directly comparing the effects of different alcoholic beverages in dietary controlled, randomized clinical trials have shown that the majority of the effect on coronary heart disease risk factors is alcoholmediated (Van der Gaag et al. 1999). However, small differences in the effects of various alcohol-containing beverages on minor risk factor may occur (Van der Gaag et al. 2000a, 2000b. ...
Chapter
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Alcohol consumption affects overall mortality. Light to moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of coronary heart disease; epidemiological, physiological and genetic data show a causal relationship. Light to moderate drinking is also associated with a reduced risk of other vascular diseases and probably of type 2 diabetes. Mortality and disease risk increase at higher levels of alcohol consumption. A substantial portion of the benefit of moderate drinking is connected with the alcohol component. However, small differences in effects of various alcoholic beverages on minor risk factors may occur. Proposed protective mechanisms include improved vascular elasticity, anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory processes and most importantly, the stimulation of high-density lipoprotein-mediated processes such as reverse cholesterol transport and antioxidative effects.
Chapter
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We investigated the correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia and pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma. After providing extensive background information, we outlined our study methodology. We assembled a control group of 20 individuals, considering their medical history (including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, nephropathies, and inappropriate drug therapy). Our study focused exclusively on patients with secondary open-angle glaucoma associated with pseudo-exfoliation, which is the most common cause of open-angle glaucoma. Our finding indicates that hyperhomocysteinemia is significantly elevated in subjects with pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma compared to individuals without ocular pathology but with a similar vascular risk. Homocysteine, by promoting the overproduction of free radicals, damages the intima of blood vessel walls and triggers elastase release in arterial smooth muscle cells. Antioxidants play a crucial role in mitigating the harmful effects of hyperhomocysteinemia, and folic acid supplementation, either alone or in combination with vitamins B12 and B6, improves endothelial function.
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Reduction in dietary vitamin B6 intakes is associated with increased relative risk of diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and cognitive dysfunction. All forms of dietary vitamin B6 are converted to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), that is needed for the proper function of a spectrum of metabolic pathways needed to maintain health. To better understand vitamin B6 homeostasis, it is important to identify lifestyle factors that influence vitamin B6 intake and plasma PLP concentration in the UK population. Therefore, this research has assessed vitamin B6 intake and PLP concentrations as a marker of vitamin B6 status among the UK adult (≥ 19 years) population. This study was carried out using a cross-sectional analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (NDNS) (2008 - 2017). The impacts of lifestyle factors including type of diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and commonly used medications grouped by therapeutic usage, were determined and data analysed using IBM SPSS®. Results are expressed as medians (25th to 75th percentiles), with P values ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Among UK adults, the median intakes of total population of dietary vitamin B6 met the RNI and median plasma PLP concentrations were above the cut-off of vitamin B6 deficiency, however, we found association between reduction in vitamin B6 intake and plasma PLP concentration and age group (P<0.001). Smokers had significantly lower plasma PLP concentrations than the non-smokers (P<0.001). Moreover, regression analysis showed some commonly used medications were associated with plasma PLP levels reduction (P <0.05). Taken together, we report on a tendency for dietary vitamin B6 intake and plasma PLP concentrations to decrease with age, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, and medication usage. This information could have important implications in smokers, and in elderly population using multiple medications (polypharmacy).
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Objectives: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia, especially modifiable lifestyle factors, such as smoking behaviour and dietary factors. Design: Population-based cross-sectional study. Setting: Hunan Province, China PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4012 participants completed the study, between July 2013 and March 2014. The median age is 55 (interquartile range: 45-63) years, with 1644 males (41%) and 2368 females (59%). Main outcome measures: Homocysteine level were measured by the microplate enzyme immunoassay method. Hyperthomocysteinemia was defined as ≥15 µmol/L. Questionnaire was used to investigate potential risk factors of hyperhomocysteinemia. Crude odd ratio (OR) or adjusted OR with 95% CI were determined by using univariable or multivariable logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is 35.4% (45.4% vs 28.5% for men, women, respectively). One-year increase in age is significantly associated with 2% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.03). One unit increase of BMI is associated with 5% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.07). Compared with the non-smoker, smoking participants have a 24% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.006 to 1.53), while the risk for those quitting smoking are not significantly different (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.54). compared with those consuming fruit and vegetable at least once every day, those consuming less than once every day had a significantly higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.29, 95% CI:1.11 to 1.50). In addition, we found there were significant sex interaction with education level or alcohol drinking on the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (pinteraction <0.05). Conclusions: Higher BMI and older age are potential risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia. Current smoking but not quitting smoking is associated with higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia. Fruit and vegetable consumption may have protective effect against hyperhomocysteinemia. Alcohol consumption or education level might interact to influence the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Article
Background: Although the protective effects of alcohol consumption against future cardiovascular disease have been published, the effects of alcohol on stroke risk remain controversial. Method: We assessed the effects of alcohol consumption on stroke risk in a poorly educated, low-income population in rural China. Between 1991 and 2018, a population-based cohort study was conducted in rural Tianjin, China, to examine stroke risk. All registered stroke events were clinically verified using available computed tomography or MRI scans. The stroke risk was analyzed, according to the extent of alcohol consumption, using Cox regression analyses. Results: We identified 352 incident stroke events among male participants during the study period. The stroke incidences (per 100,000 person-years) were 965.3 overall, 575.9 for ischemic stroke events, 208.4 for hemorrhagic stroke events, and 181.0 for undefined stroke events. Overall, alcohol consumption provided a 32% reduction in the total stroke risk. Low-dose alcohol consumption (≤12 g/day) showed a negative association with total (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.88; p = 0.008) and ischemic (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44-0.98; p = 0.039) strokes. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with hemorrhagic strokes. After age stratification, alcohol consumption was protective against total and ischemic strokes in men aged ≥55 years old, with the risk of each stroke type decreasing by 46 and 49%, respectively. Low-dose alcohol consumption was inversely associated with both total and ischemic stroke risks, with the risks decreasing by 56 and 65%, respectively. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with strokes among men aged <55 years old. Conclusions: These findings suggest that low-dose alcohol consumption may decrease the risk of ischemic strokes among men. Even so, the adverse effects of alcohol on the liver and pancreas cannot be ignored. Additionally, the effects of alcohol consumption on stroke risk vary with age, protecting against ischemic and total strokes among males ≥55 years old. Nevertheless, recommending light drinking and its potential health benefits should not be generalized to men of all ages.
Article
Background Beer is the most widely consumed fermented beverage in the world. Due to its antioxidation properties and other prebiotic effects related to non-alcoholic components, moderate drinking of beer is conducive to health. Antioxidants in beer, including phenolic compounds, melanoidins, selenium, vitamins B6, B12, E and C, etc., can effectively participate in the prevention of oxidative stress and prevent DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and intermediate oxidative free radicals from attacking cellular components. Scope and approach In this review the importance of endogenous antioxidants in beer are described in order to improve the flavor stability and antioxidant activities (AOX) of beer. This study emphasizes the importance of brewing process controls to improve AOX, starting with optimization of the wort preparation and fermentation process to ensure the optimum technologies are used. Key findings and conclusions The optimization of malting, mashing and fermentation processes can increase the contents of phenolic compounds, melanoidins, selenium and vitamins C and E and AOX of malt. Decoction mashing is more conducive to promoting the formation of phenolic compounds and melanoidins than infusion mashing. Rapid cooling following heat treatment and boiling can be used to increase the contents of melanoidins. The use of excellent yeast, an appropriate pitching rate, high gravity wort and low-temperature fermentation is more beneficial for the maintenance of high AOX in beer. It is effective to selectively add exogenous antioxidants rich in plant phenolic compounds or micronutrients to improve the AOX of beer.
Article
Beer is one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world; however, traditional - and non-alcoholic beer consumption appear to have different effects on the cardiovascular system. In this short work, we review a base of recent papers to confirm whether, or not, moderate consumption of beer and its non-alcoholic components have a beneficial effect of cardiovascular system. Moreover, the present work reviews recently published papers regarding the influence of beer components on the hemostasis, cardiovascular system, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although most nutritional guidelines recommend a maximum of one beer per day for women and two for men, individual ideals may vary according to age, sex, genetics and body type, as well as drug or supplement use. Moreover, the recommendations for the moderate consumption of beer are often based on individual case reports and often small clinical experiments. In addition, as the health-related effects of beer consumption may also depend on the presence of other dietary components, as well as the type of beer, it is difficult to determine whether moderate consumption is universally safe and beneficial for the cardiovascular system. More randomized clinical trials are needed to determine this. Well-designed clinical trials are also required to determine the influence of various beer components on hemostasis and CVDs, and their effects in combination with drug or supplement therapy.
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Alcohol drinking may be associated with an increased risk of various metabolic diseases. Rat lines selectively bred for alcohol preference and alcohol avoidance constitute an interesting model to study inherited factors related to alcohol drinking and metabolic disorders. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of selected laboratory biomarkers of metabolic disorders in blood samples from naïve offspring of Warsaw alcohol high-preferring (WHP), Warsaw alcohol low-preferring (WLP), and wild Wistar rats. Blood samples were collected from 3-month old (300�350 g) alcoholna ïve, male offspring of WHP (nD8) and WLP rats (nD8), as well as alcohol-naïve, male, wild Wistar rats. Markers of metabolic, hepatic, and pancreatic disorders were analysed (levels of homocysteine, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and -glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and amylase serum activities). Alcohol-naïve offspring of WHP, WLP, and wild Wistar rats differed significantly in the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, homocysteine, as well as in the activity of GGT, ALT, AST, and amylase enzymes. Most markers in the alcohol-naïve offspring of WHP rats were altered even thought they were never exposed to alcohol pre- or postnatally. This may suggest that parental alcohol abuse can have a detrimental influence on offspring vulnerability to metabolic disorders.
Chapter
Alcohol is globally a major component of daily life and nutrition. Presently, about 61% of US adults are current drinkers. Due to its metabolic characteristics, alcohol as a function of the absolute amount consumed, consumption frequency, genetic factors etc., has a high potential to affect most metabolic pathways and cell and organ function including the metabolism and nutriture of all macro- and micronutrients. In this chapter, the present knowledge of the effects of alcohol on selected nutrients as well as health and disease burden will be summarized.
Article
Beer is a source of folate, vitamin B6 and B12, molecules involved in the pathways of homocysteine (HCY), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This research evaluated if a consumption of craft or industrial beer could reduce serum HCY. In a randomised cross-over study, 12 men (28.7 ± 6.0 years) and 12 women (29.4 ± 7.5 years), healthy, omnivorous, with normal body mass index, non-smoking and not taking oral supplements or contraceptives, followed a free-living diet and received, daily, for 3 weeks, 330 ml of industrial (4.5% of alcohol) or craft beer (9% of alcohol). Anthropometric measures and blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of each period. The consumption of industrial beer reduced (p < 0.05) HCY (7.35 vs. 6.50 µmol/L) and increased folic acid (3.46 vs. 3.94 ng/mL). Craft beer increased gamma-gluamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (16.6 vs. 18.6 U/L) and reduced vitamin B6 (20.9 vs. 16.9 ng/mL).
Preprint
Hippocrate, the father of medicine, already said:"Wine is a thing wonderfully appropriate to man if, in health as in disease, it is administered with appropriate and just measure according to the individual constitution." wine has always accompanied humanity, for religion or for health. Christians and Jews need wine for the liturgy. For Platon the wine was an indispensable element in society and took all its importance in the symposium. In this second part of the banquet, mixed with water, the wine gave the word. If the french paradox made a lot of ink flow; it was the wine that was originally responsible for it. Many researchers have tried to share the alcohol and polyphenols in order to solve the mystery. Beyond its cardiovascular effects, there are also effects on longevity, metabolism, cancer prevention and neuroprotection, and the list goes on. The purpose of this work is to make an analysis of current knowledge on the subject. Indeed, if the paradigm of the antioxidants is seductive, it is perhaps by their prooxidant effect that the polyphenols could act, by an epigenetic process mediated by nrf2. Wine is a preserve of antioxidants for the winter and it is by this property that the wine acts, in alcoholic solution. A wine without alcohol is pure heresy. By the way, we were not talking about elixir to design all this millennial pharmacopee that made the man was able to heal and prosper on the planet. From Alvise Cornaro to Serge Renaud, nutrition was the key to health and longevity, whether Cretan or Okinawa diet, it is the small dose of alcohol (wine or sake) that allows the bioavailability of polyphenols. Moderate drinking give a protection for diseases and a longevity potential. In conclusion, let’s drink fewer, but drink better to live older.
Article
Exaggerated alcohol consumption is deleterious for health; nevertheless, some cardiovascular benefits in relation with moderate alcohol consumption, especially wine, have been shown. The relation of cardiovascular risks and alcohol consumption has the shape of a J curve: in relation to the risks of abstainers, moderate alcohol consumption is associated with benefits, but as the amount of alcohol consumption increases, benefits become harm. Optimal alcohol consumption seems to be smaller than usually accepted, less than one drink a day. Besides the amount of alcohol consumed, we discuss certain not well known topics, such as if alcohol itself or certain components of wine, or different types of wine or other beverages are responsible of benefits or risks, how alcohol consumption affects men or women, the pattern of consumption, usual or sporadic, with or without meals, and the role of alcohol consumption in different clinical situations, as well as the probable mechanisms of its cardiovascular effects
Article
Background & aims Homocysteine is a sulfur amino acid strictly related with alcohol consumption. In alcoholics, hyperhomocysteinemia can increase the risk of various alcohol-related disorders such as: brain atrophy, epileptic seizures during withdrawal, and mood disorders. Objective To evaluate the correlation among serum homocysteine concentrations, craving, hazardous and harmful patterns of alcohol consumption in patients stabilized for withdrawal symptoms. Methods Participants were adult outpatients accessed at the Addiction Treatment Unit. Alcoholism was assessed using the following tools: Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI Plus), Alcohol Use Disorder Identification test (AUDIT), Visual Analogic Scale for craving (VAS). Furthermore, during the first visit a blood sample was taken from all patients to measure the plasma concentration of both homocysteine and Carboxy Deficient Transferrin (CDT). Differences between groups in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using the t-test and the Mann–Whitney's U test for normally and non-normally distributed data, respectively. Correlation between clinical scale scores and plasma concentration of homocysteine and CDT was evaluated using the Pearson's correlation coefficient and the Kendall's Tau-b bivariate correlation coefficient for normally and non-normally distributed data, respectively. Results Our study included 92 patients. No difference was found in socio-demographic characteristics between groups. The group with high homocysteine had higher prevalence of mood disorders (p < 0.001), plasma CDT percentage (p < 0.001), VAS score (p < 0.001) and AUDIT score (p < 0.001) than group with normal homocysteine. Plasma homocysteine showed a positive correlation with both VAS score (p < 0.001), and AUDIT score (p < 0.05). Conclusions In our study, plasma homocysteine concentration is associated with craving, hazardous and harmful patterns of alcohol consumption. In particular, homocysteine is correlated with alcoholism in a bidirectional manner because its level appears to be related with alcohol degree, but simultaneously, hyperhomocysteinemia could enhance the alcohol consumption increasing the severity of craving in a circular self reinforcing mechanism.
Article
Die kulturelle und naturwissenschaftliche Ambivalenz von Herz und Alkohol ist seit längerer Zeit Gegenstand philosophischer, künstlerischer, intellektueller und emotionaler Diskussionen – nicht selten in romantisierender Weise. Neben dem maßvollen Genuss alkoholischer Getränke stehen die unübersehbaren Risiken und Gefahren des Alkoholmissbrauchs mit zahlreichen kardiovaskulären Implikationen wie Herzrhythmusstörungen, Kardiomyopathie und arterieller Hypertonie. Die inspirierende geistige Wirkung des Alkohols wird in zahlreichen Zitaten des klassischen Altertums, des Mittelalters wie auch der Neuzeit deutlich. Neben Wein und Bier haben viele Alkoholika wie Champagner, Sekt, Whisky (bzw. Whiskey), Weinbrand (Cognac) und Obstbrände eine eigene, nahezu rituelle Kultur und Brauchtumspflege, die aus dem gesellschaftlichen Leben nicht wegzudenken sind. Das Wechselspiel zwischen Genuss und Verdruss wird im Jahr 2016 zum 500-jährigen Jubiläum des Reinheitsgebots für Bier mit ungezählten Veranstaltungen inkl. der Bayerischen Landesausstellung 2016 deutlich. Neuerdings ergaben sich Hinweise auf eine neuroprotektive Wirkung des Alkohols mit einer Verbesserung des Denkvermögens, die dem weit verbreiteten demenziellen Syndrom entgegenwirken soll. Millionen Menschen könnten davon profitieren.
Chapter
Beer is one of the oldest beverages. For the last decade, it has been the focus of significant medical research and the numerous results have given the scientific confirmation of the statement known for centuries: beer is far more than a thirst-quenching beverage. Published data have indicated that beer contains a wide range of nutrients with bioactive properties, and can be a useful part of a healthy diet, if consumed moderately. Beer can have a potentially positive influence on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, and may help protect against gallstones and kidney stone formation, dementia, osteoporosis, etc. However, beer contains some substances with potential harmful effects as well. They may cause problems, especially for individuals with gout and intolerance to gluten.
Article
An Ultrasound-Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Micro-Extraction (USVADLLME) procedure coupled with a Gas Chromatography-Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (GC-IT/MS) is proposed for fast analysis of nine Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, crysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene and benzoperylene) in beer (alcohol by volume ≤ 7 %). Among 5 possible extraction solvents tested, dichloromethane, density 1.325 g mL-1 at 25 °C, was selected for further method development. Parameters such as extraction solvent type and volume, extraction time and pH, and NaCl concentration were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the enrichment factor of the nine analytes ranges between 100 and 200 fold and the recoveries from 83 % to 99 % and correlation coefficients range from 0.9982 to 0.9999. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) are ≥ 3.8 pg µL-1 and ≥ 9.8 pg µL-1, respectively. The precisions expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), are ≤ 4.0 %. The whole proposed methodology has demonstrated to be simple, reproducible and sensible for the determination of trace PAHs in beer samples.
Article
Background: Regular light consumption of alcohol appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas in heavier drinkers the opposite effect is seen. This biphasic relationship could partly be due to contrasting actions of low and high alcohol intake on endothelial function. Objective: To determine whether reducing alcohol intake in moderate-to-heavy drinkers (40–110 g/day) would improve conduit artery endothelial function as assessed by post-ischaemic brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Methods: In a two-way cross-over study, 16 healthy men either substituted their usual alcohol intake with a 0.9% alcohol beer or maintained their usual alcohol intake during sequential 4-week periods. At the end of each period of FMD and glyceryl trinitrate-induced brachial artery dilatation, blood pressure, plasma lipids, homocysteine and biomarkers of alcohol consumption (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase) and endothelial function (E-selectin, von Willebrand factor, endothelin-1) were assessed. Results: The participants reduced their alcohol intake from 72.4 to 7.9 g/day. This self-reported reduction in alcohol intake was corroborated by significant decreases in γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (24%). The decrease in alcohol intake resulted in reductions in total cholesterol (5%), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (17%), homocysteine (9%) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure [5 mmHg (P = 0.01) and 4 mmHg (P = 0.003), respectively]. There was no effect of alcohol on FMD (6.23 ± 0.75% compared with 6.24 ± 0.71%, P = NS), glyceryl trinitrate-induced vasodilatation, E-selectin, endothelin-1 and von Willebrand factor. Conclusion: Substantial reduction in alcohol intake in healthy moderate-to-heavy drinkers does not improve endothelial function as measured by post-ischaemic flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery or biomarkers of endothelial function.
Chapter
This chapter reviews the evidence on the consumption of alcohol and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and with compares it mortality in general. The chapter has four general sections. The first section studies of 'average' volume of drinking and CHD. It reviews the results of the studies, the potential biases in studies of alcohol, the biological mechanisms for the cardioprotective effects of alcohol, the possibility that the effect of alcohol is modified by background cardiovascular risk, and the public health implications of the results. The second section examines the role of drinking patterns, namely the effect of binge and heavy drinking on CHD. It then reviews the evidence linking different types of alcoholic beverages with CHD risk. Finally, the effects of alcohol on all-cause mortality are summarized.
Article
Low folate intake is an important determinant of elevated blood levels of homocysteine. Because elevated homocysteine has been shown to be a possible graded risk factor for CHD, sufficient folate intake may be important in the prevention of CHD. The magnitude of the association between folate and CHD is consistent with its effects on homocysteine.
Article
Elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), low B-vitamin intake, and genetic polymorphisms related to tHcy metabolism may play roles in coronary heart disease (CHD). More prospective studies are needed. We used a prospective case-cohort design to determine whether tHcy-related factors are associated with incidence of CHD over an average of 3.3 years of follow-up in a biracial sample of middle-aged men and women. Age-, race-, and field center-adjusted CHD incidence was associated positively (P<0.05) with tHcy in women but not men, and CHD was associated negatively (P<0.05) with plasma folate (women only), plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (both sexes), and vitamin supplementation (women only). However, after accounting for other risk factors, only plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate was associated with CHD incidence; the relative risk for the highest versus lowest quintile of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate was 0.28 (95% CI=0.1 to 0.7). There was no association of CHD with the C677T mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene or with 3 mutations of the cystathionine beta-synthase gene. Our prospective findings add uncertainty to conclusions derived mostly from cross-sectional studies that tHcy is a major, independent, causative risk factor for CHD. Our findings point more strongly to the possibility that vitamin B6 offers independent protection. Randomized trials, some of which are under way, are needed to better clarify the interrelationships of tHcy, B vitamins, and cardiovascular disease.
Article
Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Part of this inverse association may be explained by its effects on HDL. Paraoxonase, an HDL-associated enzyme, has been suggested to protect against LDL oxidation. We examined the effects of moderate consumption of red wine, beer and spirits in comparison with mineral water on paraoxonase activity in serum. In this diet-controlled, randomised, cross-over study 11 healthy middle-aged men consumed each of the beverages with evening dinner for 3 weeks. At the end of each 3 week period, blood samples were collected pre- and postprandially and after an overnight fast. Fasting paraoxonase activity was higher after intake of wine (P<0. 001), beer (P<0.001), and spirits (P<0.001) than after water consumption (149.4+/-111.1, 152.6+/-113.1, 152.8+/-116.5 and 143. 1+/-107.9 U/l serum), but did not differ significantly between the 3 alcoholic beverages. Similar effects were observed pre- and postprandially. The increases in paraoxonase activity were strongly correlated with coincident increases in concentrations of HDL-C and apo A-I (r=0.60, P<0.05 and r=0.70, P<0.05). These data suggest that increased serum paraoxonase may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying the reduced coronary heart disease risk in moderate alcohol consumers
Article
For more than 20 years, moderately raised concentrations of total homocysteine have been associated with an increased risk of atherothrombotic vascular events but only recently has evidence mounted to suggest that the association may be causal. The association is independent of other factors, it is fairly consistent across many studies, it is strong and dose-related, and it is biologically plausible. However, the evidence needs to be strengthened by a systematic review of all comparable studies and the demonstration, in randomised trials, that lowering total homocysteine is followed by a significant reduction in atherothrombotic vascular disease. In addition, the measurement of total homocysteine needs to be standardised. If these can be achieved then total homocysteine measurement will become another useful marker of vascular risk, multivitamin therapy will be another therapeutic option for people at risk of atherothrombotic vascular disease, and fortification of food with folic acid will rise high on the political and public health agenda.