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Oxidants, antioxidants, alcohol and stroke
1University of Oulu, Department of Neurology, Kajaanintie 50, FIN-90220 Oulu, Finland. matti.hillbom@oulu.fi
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|September 9, 1999
Summary
Antioxidants may protect against ischemic stroke by reducing atherosclerosis and thrombosis. While alcohol shows potential benefits, clinical evidence is lacking, and heavy drinking may worsen outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Science
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Free radicals contribute to atherosclerosis and thrombosis, key factors in ischemic cerebral injury.
- Antioxidants show experimental promise in reducing cerebral vasospasm, infarct size, and preventing atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
- Clinical data supporting antioxidant benefits in stroke prevention and treatment remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual role of alcohol as an antioxidant and oxidant in the context of stroke.
- To investigate the potential protective effects of light-to-moderate alcohol intake against internal carotid artery atherosclerosis.
- To examine the impact of alcohol and wine phenolics on platelet aggregation and thrombus formation.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental observations and clinical evidence regarding antioxidants and stroke.
- Analysis of ethanol metabolism in blood vessel walls and its effect on LDL oxidation.
- Evaluation of alcohol's influence on platelet aggregation, thromboxane formation, and thrombus development.
- Consideration of recent findings on heavy drinking and vasospastic ischemia.
Main Results:
- Experimental data suggest antioxidants can mitigate factors contributing to ischemic stroke.
- Light-to-moderate alcohol intake may offer protection against atherosclerosis via ethanol's antioxidant properties.
- Alcohol and wine phenolics might inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, though clinical significance is unproven.
- Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to worsened vasospastic ischemia.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol exhibits a complex, dose-dependent relationship with stroke, acting as both an antioxidant and oxidant.
- Further clinical research is crucial to validate the protective effects of antioxidants and moderate alcohol consumption against ischemic stroke.
- The negative impact of heavy drinking on stroke outcomes warrants further investigation, potentially linked to antioxidant depletion.
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