Plasma endothelin-1 elevation associated with alcohol-induced variant angina

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Vasospastic angina (VA) is a clinical condition characterized by transient coronary artery spasm.
• The precise mechanism linking alcohol ingestion to coronary artery spasm remains unclear.
• Endothelin-1 is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide implicated in various cardiovascular diseases.

Observation:

• Two cases of alcohol-induced variant angina are presented.
• Elevated plasma endothelin-1 levels were observed in both patients following alcohol consumption.
• Endothelin-1 levels normalized after a period of alcohol abstinence.

Findings:

• Case 1: Plasma endothelin-1 increased from 3.15 pg/ml pre-alcohol to 4.09 pg/ml 5 hours post-alcohol, returning to normal (<2.30 pg/ml) after 6 months of abstinence.
• Case 2: Plasma endothelin-1 increased from 2.44 pg/ml pre-alcohol to 4.36 pg/ml 5 hours post-alcohol, decreasing to normal range (2.09 pg/ml) after 6 months of abstinence.
• A correlation between alcohol intake, elevated endothelin-1, and variant angina symptoms is suggested.

Implications:

• Alcohol-induced elevation of plasma endothelin-1 may be a key factor in the pathophysiology of variant angina.
• Understanding this mechanism could lead to targeted therapeutic strategies for patients experiencing alcohol-related vasospasm.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the direct causal relationship and explore potential interventions.