Restoring an adequate dietary fiber intake by inulin supplementation: a pilot study showing an impact on gut microbiota and sociability in alcohol use disorder patients.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disease associated with malnutrition, metabolic disturbances, and gut microbiota alterations that are correlated with the severity of psychological symptoms. This study aims at supplementing AUD patients with prebiotic fiber during alcohol withdrawal, in order to modulate the gut microbiota composition and to evaluate its effect on gastrointestinal tolerance, metabolism, and patient's behavior. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 50 AUD patients assigned to inulin versus maltodextrin daily supplementation for 17 days. Biological measurements (fecal microbial 16S rDNA sequencing, serum biology), dietary intake, validated psychological questionnaires, and gastrointestinal tolerance assessment were performed before and after the intervention. Inulin significantly decreased the richness and evenness and induced changes of 8 genera (q < 0.1) including Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides. Prebiotic had minor effects on gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional intakes compared to placebo. All patients showed an improvement in depression, anxiety, and craving scores during alcohol withdrawal regardless of the intervention group. Interestingly, only patients treated with inulin significantly improved the sociability score and had an increased serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This pilot study shows that inulin is well tolerated and modulates the gut microbiota and the social behavior in AUD patients, without further improving other psychological and biological parameters as compared to placebo. Gut2Brain study, clinicaltrial.gov: NCT03803709, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03803709.

Ketogenic Diet Decreases Alcohol Intake in Adult Male Mice.

The classic ketogenic diet is a diet high in fat, low in carbohydrates, and well-adjusted proteins. The reduction in glucose levels induces changes in the body's metabolism, since the main energy source happens to be ketone bodies. Recent studies have suggested that nutritional interventions may modulate drug addiction. The present work aimed to study the potential effects of a classic ketogenic diet in modulating alcohol consumption and its rewarding effects. Two groups of adult male mice were employed in this study, one exposed to a standard diet (SD, n = 15) and the other to a ketogenic diet (KD, n = 16). When a ketotic state was stable for 7 days, animals were exposed to the oral self-administration paradigm to evaluate the reinforcing and motivating effects of ethanol. Rt-PCR analyses were performed evaluating dopamine, adenosine, CB1, and Oprm gene expression. Our results showed that animals in a ketotic state displayed an overall decrease in ethanol consumption without changes in their motivation to drink. Gene expression analyses point to several alterations in the dopamine, adenosine, and cannabinoid systems. Our results suggest that nutritional interventions may be a useful complementary tool in treating alcohol-use disorders.

Carnitine in Alcohol Use Disorders: A Scoping Review.

Recent studies in alcohol use disorders (AUDs) have demonstrated some connections between carnitine metabolism and the pathophysiology of the disease. In this scoping review, we aimed to collate and examine existing research available on carnitine metabolism and AUDs and develop hypotheses surrounding the role carnitine may play in AUD. A scoping review method was used to search electronic databases in September 2019. The database search terms used included "alcohol, alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol consumption, alcohol drinking patterns, alcohol-induced disorders, alcoholic intoxication, alcohol-related disorders, binge drinking, Wernicke encephalopathy, acylcarnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine, acetylcarnitine, carnitine and palmitoylcarnitine." The inclusion criteria included English language, human-based, AUD diagnosis and measured blood or tissue carnitine or used carnitine as a treatment. Of 586 studies that were identified and screened, 65 underwent abstract review, and 41 were fully reviewed. Eighteen studies were ultimately included for analysis. Data were summarized in an electronic data extraction form. We found that there is limited literature available. Alcohol use appears to impact carnitine metabolism, most clearly in the setting of alcoholic cirrhosis. Six studies found carnitine to be increased in AUD, of which 5 were conducted in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Only 3 placebo-controlled trials were identified and provide some support for the use of carnitine in AUD to decrease cravings, anhedonia, and withdrawal and improve cognition. The increase in plasma carnitine in alcoholic cirrhosis may be related to disordered fatty acid metabolism and oxidative stress that occurs in AUD. The multiple possible therapeutic effects carnitine could have on ethanol metabolism and the early evidence available for carnitine supplementation as a treatment for AUD provide a foundation for future randomized control trials of carnitine for treating AUD.

Improvement of Alcohol-Poisoning Symptoms in Mice by the Oral Administration of Live Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T Cells.

A clinical study carried out previously by our group has demonstrated that yogurt manufactured with a plant-derived lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T, significantly reduces the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) level as a liver-function parameter. In the present study, we show that with the oral administration of live SN13T cells, alcohol-poisoning symptoms in mice are improved, and the condition does not become fatal. However, prior to the simultaneous administration with ethanol, when the cells were heat-killed or sonicated, the improvement was not observed, and almost all of the mice died. In addition, the dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota observed in the mice administered with ethanol was restored by simultaneous administration with live SN13T cells. Furthermore, by analyzing the metabolites detected in contents from the mouse cecum, it was demonstrated that the increase in nonvolatile putrefactive amines observed in the ethanol-administration group was reduced by simultaneous administration with live SN13T cells. Judging from these results, the lactic acid bacterial cells capable of reaching the living bowels prevent ethanol-induced poisoning and restore the intestinal microbiota.

The gut microbiota: A new target in the management of alcohol dependence?

The gastrointestinal tract is the natural habitat for a huge community of microorganisms, comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast. This microbial ecosystem codevelops with the host throughout life and is subject to a complex interplay that depends on multiple factors including host genetics, nutrition, life-style, stress, diseases and antibiotics use. The gut microbiota, that refers to intestinal bacteria, has profound influence on the host immune system, metabolism and nervous system. Indeed, intestinal bacteria supply the host with essential nutrients such as vitamins, metabolize bile acids and undigested compounds, defend against pathogen invasion, participate to the development of the intestinal architecture and the intestinal immune system and play an important role in the maintenance of the gut barrier function. More recently, the gut microbiota has been shown to influence brain functions, such as myelin synthesis, the blood-brain barrier permeability and neuroinflammatory responses but also mood and behavior. The cross-talk between microbes and the host implicates a vast array of signaling pathways that involve many different classes of molecules like metabolites produced by the bacteria from dietary or endogenous sources of carbohydrates and proteins (i.e. short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), indole), neurotransmitters and inflammatory cytokines. This review will focus on the involvement of the gut microbiota in the pathophysiological aspects of alcohol dependence related to the gut barrier function, liver damage and psychological disturbances. We will also discuss the possibility to create new and realistic humanized animal models of alcohol dependence by the use of fecal transplantation.

The galanin receptor-3 antagonist, SNAP 37889, inhibits cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking and increases c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens shell of alcohol-preferring rats.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the effects of the galanin-3 receptor antagonist, SNAP 37889, on c-Fos protein expression after cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking in the brains of alcohol-preferring rats. METHODS: Eighteen alcohol-preferring rats were trained to self-administer 10% v/v ethanol in the presence of response-contingent cues, which was followed by extinction. Rats were then treated with SNAP 37889 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle, before being tested for cue-induced reinstatement. Administration of SNAP 37889 reduced cue-induced reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behaviour. To examine the effect of SNAP 37889 and cue-induced reinstatement on neuronal activation, c-Fos expression was measured in subregions of the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. RESULTS: SNAP 37889 administration increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens shell, but was without effect in the nucleus accumbens core and the medial prefrontal cortex. Dual-label Fos/tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry was used to examine the effects of SNAP 37889 on dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area; however, no differences between SNAP 37889 and vehicle-treated rats were found. CONCLUSIONS: These data support previous findings of galanin-3 receptor involvement in cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behaviour, and provide novel evidence that the ability of galanin-3 receptor antagonism to attenuate cue-induced reinstatement relates to activation of the nucleus accumbens shell.

Drunkorexia y Binge Drinking: nuevos patrones de conducta alimentaria en estudiantes universitarios / Drunkorexia and Binge Drinking: new patterns of eating disorders among university students

Fundamentos: La drunkorexia es un patrón de comportamiento caracterizado por la restricción del consumo de alimentos calóricos para compensar el exceso de calorías proporcionado por la ingesta de alcohol. Aunque el término «drunkorexia» no ha sido clínicamente reconocido, en los últimos años este término ha sido ampliamente utilizado para describir un nuevo fenómeno con alta incidencia en sujetos de 18 a 26 años. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar el patrón de drunkorexia y «binge drinking» en jóvenes universitarios españoles. Métodos: Estudio de tipo descriptivo transversal. El patrón de drunkorexia y «binge drinking» fue evaluado en una muestra de 120 estudiantes universitarios españoles, mediante la realización de un cuestionario. Resultados: La prevalencia de drunkorexia fue del 10%. La drunkorexia estuvo fuertemente correlacionada con la conducta de atracón o binge drinking (r=0,75). Los participantes que redujeron la ingesta de alimentos calóricos, presentaron 2,5 veces más probabilidades de ser binge drinkers (IC 95% 1,46-4,27). Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos proporcionan evidencia sobre la incidencia de un nuevo patrón de la conducta alimentaria en estudiantes universitarios que debería ser examinado a la luz de estos resultados (AU)

Background: Drunkorexia is a new pattern of behavior characterized by limiting food intake before alcohol consumption. Although the «drunkorexia» term has not been clinically recognized, it has been widely used to describe a new phenomenon with a high incidence in individuals 18 to 26 years. The aim of the present study was to examine the pattern of drunkorexia and «binge drinking» in a Spanish sample of university students. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study evaluated the pattern of drunkorexia and «binge drinking» in a Spanish sample of 120 university students by conducting a questionnaire. Results: These results showed that the prevalence of drunkorexia was 10%. Drunkorexia was strongly correlated with binge drinking behaviors (r=0.75). Those participants which reduced their caloric food intake had 2.5 times more likely to be binge drinkers (95% CI 1.46-4.27). No sex differences were found. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence on the impact of a new pattern of eating disorder in university students that need to be considered in light of these results (AU)

Detección de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en una unidad de alcoholismo / Detection of eating behavior disorders in an alcoholism unit

Introducción: La coexistencia de trastornos alimentarios (TCA) y de sustancias ha sido el foco de investigaciones clínicas desde hace varias décadas con amplia y contradictoria literatura. El objetivo del estudio es detectar la presencia de trastornos alimentarios en una muestra de pacientes alcohólicos. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 340 pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Deshabituación Alcohólica (U.D.A.) del Hospital Dr Rodríguez Lafora, realizado a lo largo de 18 meses. En los casos en los que se diagnosticó un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria, en 30 mujeres (25% de la muestra femenina) y ningún hombre, se analizaron las características demográficas, psicosociales y psicopa-tológicas. Además se estudió el trastorno alimentario y se realizaron varios test psicométricos específicos. Resultados: Encontramos una elevada comorbilidad psiquiátrica en 3/4 partes de la muestra (patología ansiosa y depresiva), elevados antecedentes familiares de alcoholismo y malos tratos, y elevadas cifras de policonsumo de tóxicos. Por otro lado, más de la mitad de la muestra reconoce haber utilizado el alcohol con fin anorexígeno, lo que nos sugiere que al alcohol cumpliría una función dentro del trastorno alimentario. Conclusiones: Dado que hemos encontrado que un número importante de pacientes que inicialmente padece trastorno alimentario desarrollan alcoholismo en el curso de la enfermedad, consideramos que en estas pacientes debería realizarse de forma sistemática una evaluación del consumo de alcohol y otros tóxicos. La detección temprana de esta comorbilidad facilitaría un abordaje e intervención terapéutica más específicos (AU)

Introduction: The coexistence of eating behaviour disorders and substance abuse has been in the focus of clinical research for several decades with large and contradictory literature results. The aim of this study is to detect eating behaviour disorders in a sample of alcoholic patients. Material and methods: Prospective study of 340 patients admitted in an alcohol dishabituation unit (A.D.U.) from Dr Rodríguez Lafora Hospital during a period of 18 months. In cases diagnosed with an eating disorder, 30 women (25% of the women sample) and no men, we analyzed the demographic, psychosocial and psychopathological characteristics. Furthermore, we studied the eating disorder and we realized several specific psychometric tests. Results: We found a high psychiatric comorbidity in three quarters of the sample (anxious and depressive pathology), high rates of alcohol abuse in the family; and high rates of drug misuse. On the other hand, over half of the sample recognized to use alcohol as an anorectic substance, suggesting that alcohol had a function within eating disorders. Conclusions: Since we have found a significant number of patients that initially were suffering from eating disorders and they developed alcoholism in the course of the disease, we consider in this kind of patient that is necessary to make a systematic assessment of alcohol and other substances. Early detection of this comorbidity is useful for achieve a more specific approach and therapeutic intervention (AU)

Avaliação do estado nutricional e consumo alimentar de alcoolistas atendidos em um centro de reabilitação de Caruaru - PE, Brasil / Evaluation of nutritional condition and food consumption of alcoholic patients from a rehabilitation center of the city of Caruaru/PE, Brazil

Introdução: A ingestão de bebidas alcoólicas vem se elevando continuamente no mundo e pode trazer malefícios à saúde. Se as bebidas alcoólicas forem consumidas em demasia, pode ocorrer dependência, desequilíbrio e carências nutricionais. Objetivo: Avaliar o estado nutricional e o consumo alimentar de alcoolistas em reabilitação, a fim de identificar possíveis intervenções pertinentes a uma equipe multidisciplinar e ressaltar a importância do estabelecimento de uma alimentação adequada por parte dos alcoolistas em reabilitação com o propósito de promover a saúde dos indivíduos. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, de caráter descritivo, em um centro de reabilitação de alcoolistas, denominado de Alcoólicos Anônimos (AA), situado na cidade Caruaru, no Agreste de Pernambuco. O estudo contou com a participação de 43 alcoolistas em reabilitação com idade igual ou superior a 20 anos e inferior a 60 anos de ambos os sexos. Foram obtidos dados socioeconômicos e foi realizada uma avaliação nutricional dos indivíduos através da ficha de avaliação socioeconômica e nutricional. O consumo alimentar dos participantes foi analisado através do Questionário de Frequência Alimentar (QFA) adaptado. Resultados: Dentre os indivíduos, observou-se uma frequência elevada de alcoolistas em reabilitação do sexo masculino (88,4%). A média do índice de massa corporal (IMC) da população avaliada foi de 26,9 (+/- 5,1) kg/m²; de acordo com este parâmetro 60% das mulheres apresentaram estado nutricional eutrófico e 40% apresentaram obesidade. A média da circunferência da cintura (CC) na população feminina foi de 91(+/-5,4) cm. Entre os participantes do sexo masculino, considerando o IMC, 28,9% apresentaram eutrofia, 34,2% sobrepeso e 36,7% obesidade. A mé- dia da CC no sexo masculino foi 97,3 (+/-8,9) cm. Desta forma, nesta pesquisa, 32,5% dos indivíduos avaliados encontrava-se em estado nutricional eutró- fico e 67,4% dos reabilitandos apresentavam sobrepeso ou obesidade. O consumo alimentar entre os alcoolistas em reabilitação foi considerado inadequado em relação ao consumo de diversos alimentos como consumo raro de peixes, consumo habitual de pães e consumo não habitual, contudo semanal (variando de 1 a 2 ou 3 vezes por semana), de embutidos, biscoitos, bolos e macarrão, assim como doces/balas, chocolates e refrigerantes. O consumo de hortaliças e frutas também foi considerado não habitual. Discussão: Historicamente os homens sempre estiveram mais relacionados ao consumo do álcool. A idade média dos participantes da pesquisa destaca a frequência elevada de adultos jovens entre os indivíduos em reabilitação pelo uso abusivo de álcool. Observou-se um percentual elevado de indivíduos com baixa renda financeira e escolaridade. Nas classes econômicas consideradas menos favorecidas e em grupos populacionais que possuem menor grau de escolaridade no Brasil, a incidência do alcoolismo é maior, ratificando afirmação de diversos autores de que aspectos psicológicos, sociais e econômicos favorecerem o uso abusivo de álcool e a sua dependência. O consumo alimentar, considerado inadequado em relação ao consumo de diversos grupos alimentares, entre os alcoolistas em reabilitação, pode ser responsável pela elevada frequência de sobrepeso e obesidade observada entre os indivíduos. Conclusão: No período de reabilitação do alcoolista, torna-se imprescindível o acompanhamento e orientação dos mesmos por profissionais da área de nutrição para que o objetivo do tratamento seja alcançado, bem como demais ajudas multiprofissionais. Este fato ratifica a importância da nutrição no processo reabilitatório e a necessidade de uma atuação multiprofissional em busca da promoção da saúde e bem estar dos indivíduos (AU)

Introduction: alcohol consumption has increased over the years in the world and can be harmful to health. If alcoholic beverages are consumed in excess, it can promote dependence, imbalance and nutritional deficiencies. Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status and food consumption of alcoholics in rehabilitation, in order to identify possible interventions relevant to a multidisciplinary group and to emphasize the importance of establishing adequate nutrition for alcoholics in rehabilitation to promote the health of individuals. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study, in an alcoholic rehabilitation center, recognized as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), located in Caruaru city, Pernambuco state. The study was conducted with 43 alcoholics in rehabilitation, aged above 20 years and below 60 years of both sexes. Socioeconomic data and the nutritional state of individuals were analysed by using a socioeconomic and nutritional evaluation form. The dietary consumption of participants was analyzed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) adapted. Results: Among individuals, there was a high frequency of alcoholism rehabilitation in male population (88.4%). The mean body mass index (BMI) of the studied population was 26.9 (+/- 5.1) kg/m2; according to this parameter, 60% of women exhibited eutrophic nutritional status and 40% were obese. The average of waist circumference (WC) in the female population was 91 (+/- 5.4) cm. Among the male participants, using BMI, 28.9% were eutrophic, 34.2% overweight and 36.7% obese. The average of WC in male individuals was 97.3 (+/- 8.9) cm. Thus, in this study, 32.5% of the individuals presented an eutrophic nutritional status and 67.4% of participants were overweight or obese. Food consumption among alcoholics in rehabilitation was considered inadequate in relation to the consumption of several foods, as rare fish consumption, habitual consumption of bread and no habitual consumption, however weekly (ranging from 1 to 2 or 3 times a week), of embedded, cookies, cakes and pasta, as well as sweets/candy, chocolate and soft drinks. The consumption of fruit and vegetables were also considered unusual. Discussion: Historically, men have always been more related to alcohol consumption. The average age of respondents highlights the high frequency of young adults between individuals in rehabilitation for alcohol abuse. There was a high percentage of individuals with low financial income and education. In economic classes considered disadvantaged and in population groups having lower education in Brazil, the incidence of alcoholism is higher, confirming statement of several authors that psychological, social and economic aspects have the potential to promote the abuse of alcohol and its dependence. Food consumption considered inappropriate in relation to consumption of various food groups, among alcoholics in rehabilitation, may be responsible for the high rates of overweight and obesity observed among individuals. Conclusion: In the alcoholic rehabilitation period, it is essential monitoring and guidance the individuals by nutrition professionals to achieve the treatment objectives. In addition, a multi-professional support is also needed. This fact confirms the importance of nutrition in reabilitatorio process and the need of a multidisciplinary performance for promoting health and well being of individuals (AU)

Methodology for the estimation of use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs

The objective of this article is to revise the methods used for the assessment of the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Analysing the advantages of using one method or the other, as well as the most frequent methodological difficulties and problems in medication and classification of each one of these indicators. The main sources of information available from European, National and Madrid Autonomous Community levels have been consulted to estimate the most relevant aspects of these forms of substance abuse (AU)

El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar los métodos utilizados para la estimación del consumo de tabaco, alcohol y otras drogas. Analizar las ventajas de utilizar unos u otros métodos, así como las dificultades y problemas metodológicos más frecuentes en la medición y clasificación de cada uno de estos indicadores. Se recogen las principales fuentes de información disponibles a nivel Europeo, Nacional y en la Comunidad de Madrid para estimar los aspectos más relevantes del consumo de este tipo de sustancias (AU)

Algunas características de las mujeres con obesidad del municipio de Holguín, Cuba / Some characteristics of women with obesity in Holguin municipality, Cuba

Introducción: Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud la obesidad es la enfermedad crónica no transmisible más frecuente pero son aislados los estudios sobre obesidad y su caracterización en mujeres en Cuba. Objetivo: Determinar algunas características de las mujeres con obesidad de 20 a 59 años del municipio Holguín, Cuba. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal (febrero de 2012 y Junio de 2013) en mujeres obesas de 20 a 59 años del municipio Holguín. Mediante un muestreo aleatorio por conglomerados seleccionando 300 mujeres obesas. Mediciones realizadas: peso corporal, estatura, circumferencia de cintura, circumferencia de cadera, plieues cutáneos,edad, patologías asociadas, encuesta para conocer estilos de vida y perfil lipídico. Resultados: Hay un predominio de la obesidad androide (85,7%) y la obesidad postpuberal (68,0%). Desde el punto de vista causal la mayoría son obesas exógenas (87,3%). Solo el 8% realiza actividad física sistemática. Más de la mitas de las obesas tienen aumentado el perfil lipídico: colesterol total (58,7%), trigliceridos (66,0%), LDL (63,7%). Se pudo constatar una mala distribución de las porciones durante el día. Conclusiones: Para disminuir la obesidad en las mujeres de 20 a 59 años es necesario que modifiquen los estilos de vida (AU)

Background: According with the World Health Organization obesity chronic disease is the most common transmissible but are isolated studies on obesity and its characterization in women in Cuba. Obejctive: To determine some characteristics of obese women of 20-59 years of the town Holguin, Cuba. Methods: A cross.sectional sstudy was conducted between February 2012 and June 2013 is obese women of 20-59 years of the offices of the 10 health areas municipality Holguin. The sample was probabilistic using random cluster sampling were selected 300 obese women. Measured: body weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, skin-fold (biceps, triceps, suprailiac and subscapular). Other variables: age and associated diseases. Survey for lifestyle (physical activity, dietary habits, demographic characteristics). Lipid profile: total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. Results: There is a predominance of android obesity (85.7%) and post-puberal obesity (68.0%). From the viewpoint of most obese causal exogenous (87.3%). Only 8% systematic phisically active. More than halft of the obese have increased the lipid profile: total cholesterol (58.7%), triglycerides (66.0%), LDL (63.7%). It was found a poor distribution of the portions during the day. Conclusions: to reduce obesity in women of 20-59 years Holguin municipality is required to modify lifestyles (AU)

N-acetylcysteine improves group B streptococcus clearance in a rat model of chronic ethanol ingestion.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is the most common risk factor associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and results in a 40-60% mortality rate due to respiratory failure. Furthermore, recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that a history of alcohol abuse increases the risk of ARDS by 3.6-fold. More recently, group B streptococcus (GBS) infections in nonpregnant adults have been increasing, particularly in alcoholics where there is an increased risk of lobular invasion and mortality. We have shown in an established rat model that chronic ethanol ingestion impaired macrophage internalization of inactivated infectious particles in vitro and enhanced bidirectional protein flux across the alveolar epithelial-endothelial barriers, both of which were attenuated when glutathione precursors were added to the diet. We hypothesized that chronic ethanol ingestion would increase the risk of infection even though GBS is less pathogenic but that dietary N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor, would improve in vivo clearance of infectious particles and reduce systemic infection. METHODS: After 6 weeks of ethanol feeding, rats were given GBS intratracheally and sacrificed 24 hours later. GBS colony-forming units were counted in the lung, liver, spleen, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Acute lung injury in response to GBS was also assessed. RESULTS: Chronic ethanol exposure decreased GBS clearance from the lung indicating an active lung infection. In addition, increased colonies formed within the liver and spleen indicated that ethanol increased the risk of systemic infection. Ethanol also exacerbated the acute lung injury induced by GBS. NAC supplementation normalized GBS clearance by the lung, prevented the appearance of GBS systemically, and attenuated acute lung injury. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggested that chronic alcohol ingestion increased the susceptibility of the lung to bacterial infections from GBS as well as systemic infections. Furthermore, dietary NAC improved in vivo clearance of GBS particles, attenuated acute lung injury, and disseminated infection.

Effects of stress on emotional reactivity in hostile heavy social drinkers following dietary tryptophan enhancement.

AIM: Because individuals high on hostility may be at risk for alcohol abuse due to serotonergic dysfunction and greater reactivity to stress, we examined the effects of acute dietary tryptophan enhancement and stress on mood and craving for alcohol in low-hostile (LoH) and high-hostile (HiH) individuals. METHODS: Thirty-four LoH and 33 HiH heavy social drinkers [selection based on the Hostility scale from the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (1992)] received either tryptophan-enriched or control diet and underwent a stress-induction procedure. Trait differences between the two hostile groups were explored using personality, anxiety, and depression questionnaires. Mood, craving for alcohol, and salivary cortisol levels (CORT) were measured before and after tryptophan and after stress-induction. Heart rate (HR) was measured during stress-induction. RESULTS: HiHs compared to LoHs scored higher on the depression and anxiety trait scales as well in the character dimension Harm Avoidance and reported more of stress exposure over the past month. They also showed more negative mood and higher craving for alcohol. Diet alone did not produce any subjective or physiological effects. Stress increased CORT, HR, negative mood, and craving for alcohol. HiHs displayed higher CORT increase and lower cardiovascular reactivity in response to stress compared to LoHs. Opposite to the predictions, tryptophan enhancement selectively facilitated stress-induced increase in craving in the HiHs. CONCLUSION: Among heavy drinkers HiHs report higher craving for alcohol and show greater reactivity to stress as measured by CORT and negative mood. The effects of stress on craving in HiHs may be mediated by a serotonergic mechanism.

A pilot investigation of the effect of tryptophan manipulation on the affective state of male chronic alcoholics.

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that dietary tryptophan manipulation would influence self-report affective status in alcoholic males. No significant effect of dietary manipulation was observed on the tryptophan/large neutral amino acids ratio or psychological indices of affect. The notion that dietary manipulation may be utilized in improving mood state in alcoholic males was not supported.

Acompanhamento nutricional de cirróticos com história pregressa de alcoolismo / Nutrition follow-up of cirrhotic patients with previous history of alcoholism

A desnutrição proteíco-energético é frequente nos pacientes cirróticos e representa um sério risco no aumento das taxas de morbi-mortalidade desta população. Independente do fator etiológico sua prevalência é alta e repercute em ambos os sexos. este estudo de casos objetivou verificar o impacto da injúria cirrose alcoólica no estado nutricional e a eficácia do tratamento dietoterápico na reversão da depleção nutricional. Foram estudados 50 pacientes (47 homens e 3 mulheres) atendidos no Ambulatório de Nutrição onde foi realizada avaliação nutricional objetiva com os parâmetrosantropométricos, bioquímicos, clínicos e história dietética em três momentos distintos (início, 8§ e 18§ mês de tratamento). Os resultados iniciais revelaram que 96 por cento dos cirróticos apresentavam algum nível de desnutrição e, no 18§ mês tiveram normalização dos parâmetros nutricionais

Antiperoxide effect of garlic protein in alcohol fed rats.

Rats fed ethanol (3.76g/Kg body wt/day) for about 45 days exhibited high levels of tissue malondialdehyde, hydroperoxide and diene conjugates. Activity of tissue superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione content decreased. Administration of water soluble proteins of garlic (500 mg/kg body wt/day) to alcohol fed rats showed significant increase in antiperoxide activity and decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione s transferase as compared to a standard drug gugulipid (50 mg/kg body wt/day).

Influence of an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched diet on the development of tolerance during chronic ethanol administration in rats.

This study investigates the effects of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in the form of dietary Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) and safflower oil, on the development of tolerance to ethanol. The degree of fluorescence polarization of the fluoroprobes DPH, PROP-DPH, and TMA-DPH in isolated cortical synaptosomal membranes was measured. In addition, the development of tolerance, as shown by changes in synaptosomal membrane fluidity after an acute in vitro ethanol challenge, was also determined after 20 weeks of ethanol administration, either alone or together with a PUFA-enriched diet. Although the administration of EPO-enriched diet did not significantly render the inner core of the cortical synaptosomal membrane tolerant to the acute ethanol challenge, concomitant administration of ethanol and EPO was found to increase further the rigidity and tolerance to the acute ethanol challenge in the inner core. Chronic administration of safflower oil, which lacks gamma-linolenic acid (18:3, n-6) but like EPO contains linoleic acid, either alone or together with chronic ethanol had no effect on synaptosomal membrane fluidity after an acute ethanol challenge. The results suggest that gamma-linolenic acid or its metabolites may have an important role to play in the development of tolerance to chronic ethanol.