POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT OF PEROXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANT LEVELS IN ALCOHOLIC AND NON-ALCOHOLIC HEALTHY SUBJECTS

Abstract

Objectives: Antioxidant levels vary from person-to-person depending on their degree and type of activity, food, exposure to psychological stress, and contaminated environment. In addition, those who are older, have specific medical conditions, take drugs, smoke, and consume alcohol, and are exposed to solar radiation may require more carotenoids and other antioxidants. This led us to compare the antioxidant levels within alcoholics and non-alcoholic healthy subjects. Methods: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and level of some antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH), antioxidant Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E were estimated in the circulations of alcoholics and non-alcoholic healthy subjects. Results: Significantly increased concentrations of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and significantly lowered levels of SOD, CAT, GSH, and GSH-Px were observed in alcoholics and may be due to their increased utilization to scavenge lipids peroxides. Increased levels of lipid peroxidation may be due to excessive oxidative stress. The comparison between alcoholics and non-alcoholics revealed 24% increased MDA in alcoholic subjects. Enzymatic (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px), metabolic (GSH), and nutrient antioxidants (Vitamin A, E, C, and β-carotene) were lower in alcoholic as compared to non-alcoholic subjects. Conclusion: Regardless of commercial brand, alcohol raises oxidative stress. When drinking alcohol and smoking or environmental contamination are coupled, this stress is significantly greater.