Ethanol in low chronic dose level attenuates major organic effects in malnourished rats

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chronic toxicity of ethanol low blood levels in malnourished rats. Female Wistar rats (220 g) were subjected to either an ad libitum diet (W, well-nourished, n=10) or food restriction (M, malnourished, n=10). Water (WW and MW) or ethanol solution (W5% and M5%) was offered to half of each nutritional group (n=5) as the only fluid source. The treatment was continued for two months. After sacrifice, blood biochemical parameters and macroscopic, histologic and morphometric evaluation of the liver were performed. Results indicated that: Ethanol consumption was higher in malnourished rats and minimized body weight loss in malnourished rats, while it decreased the body weight gain in well-nourished ones. Behavioral ethanol intoxication was more severe in malnourished rats. Malnutrition decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin but, on the other hand, ethanol was a protective factor of that effect (hemoglobin: MW 10.6 mg/dl / ME 13.02 mg/dl, p< 0.05). Ethanol increased the relative liver weight of both wellnourished and malnourished rats. Ethanol intake minimized iron pigment, collagen area and binuclear hepatocyte/ field increased by malnutrition. These data are in accordance with previous reports which showed ethanol as an important source of calories and, even chronically, ethanol still attenuates the effects of malnutrition.

Effects of glutamine administration on inflammatory responses in chronic ethanol-fed rats

“…However, the relative liver weight significantly increased in rats of the CE group (Table 2). Chronic alcohol consumption may cause asymptomatic hepatomegaly [27], and ethanol intake increases the relative liver weight in rats [28]. The results showed that pretreatment with glutamine can prevent the ethanol-induced relative liver weight increase in rats fed an ethanol-containing diet.…”

Can the indicators of chronic ethanol consumption be minimized by a continuous flaxseed intake?

“…In this study small ethanol doses (10% v/v) were used, sufficient to characterize a chronic alcoholism pattern in adult rats, as it was used for longer than 30 days. High ethanol concentrations (40% v/v) result in steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, necrosis and fibrosis, characteristics of alcoholic liver disease . Although these lesions are not typically found in low ethanol concentrations, its presence was assessed in this study using histological analyses.…”

“…Chronic liver injuries may be related in general to an exacerbated deposition of fat in the liver, lipid cellular peroxidation, drug intoxication, alcoholism, and virus action, all of which contribute to chronic inflammation in liver tissue . Alcoholism on its own has negative effects on the liver, in addition it's additive effect and to it's compromising effect on the function of various cells and tissues …”

Effects of Maalox Plus® Antacid and PureCal® Calcium Supplement on Physical Characteristics, Body Weight, Tissue Minerals and Histopathology of Rats Subjected to Alcohol Intoxication

“…In an earlier study excessive alcohol intake led to rats loosing appetite, being apathetic and having slow responses [37]. Other studies opine to alcohol resulting in positive energy balance and causing weight gain [38][39][40][41]. A myriad of factors including gender, genetics, physical activity level, medication use, psychological problems, type, frequency and amount of alcohol intake have been implicated to result in the contradictory evidence on alcohol and body weight [42].…”