Περίληψη:
While studies have shown that red wine improves endothelial function,
the effect of pure alcohol, the common denominator of all alcoholic
beverages, on endothelial function has not been defined. The effect of
oral intake of alcohol ( one ounce - a dose corresponding to two drink
equivalents) on flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was
studied in 12 healthy subjects using high-resolution ultrasonography
according to a randomized, sham procedure-controlled, single-blind
protocol. Alcohol produced a significant vasodilatation of the brachial
artery at resting conditions. Furthermore, it led to a significant
increase of the brachial artery diameter at reactive hyperemia; however,
the percentage flow-mediated dilatation did not change. This study
shows, for the first time, that acute moderate intake of alcohol has a
potent dilating effect on large arteries both at resting and at reactive
hyperemic conditions, without affecting flow-mediated dilatation as a
percentage. This may be useful for explaining the divergent effect of
different alcoholic beverages on endothelial function and provides
valuable insight into the mechanisms involved in the vascular effects of
alcohol.
Συγγραφείς:
Vlachopoulos, C
Tsekoura, D
Tsiamis, E
Panagiotakos, D and
Stefanadis, C
