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Red cell caesium, lithium and selenium in abstinent alcoholics
F M Corrigan1, J A Besson, N I Ward
1Argyll & Bute Hospital, Lochgilphead, U.K.
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Alcohol abuse may cause lasting changes in red blood cell element levels, particularly elevated caesium and reduced selenium. These findings suggest potential long-term markers for alcohol dependence and related health issues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Alcohol dependence is a global health issue with complex physiological effects.
- Red blood cell element concentrations can reflect systemic metabolic changes.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in alcohol-related pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate red blood cell (RBC) element concentrations in abstinent alcoholic subjects.
- To identify potential biomarkers for long-term alcohol dependence.
- To explore the relationship between RBC elements and oxidative/anti-oxidative mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for elemental analysis.
- Red blood cells were analyzed from alcoholic subjects with varying abstinence periods.
- Control groups were implicitly compared to assess significant differences.
Main Results:
- Consistently elevated red cell caesium concentrations were observed in alcoholic subjects.
- Reduced red cell selenium concentrations were a consistent finding.
- Decreased erythrocyte lithium, cerium, and boron levels were noted in abstinent alcoholics.
Conclusions:
- Elevated RBC caesium may serve as a long-term biomarker for alcohol dependence.
- Altered RBC selenium suggests persistent abnormalities in oxidation/anti-oxidation pathways.
- RBC element analysis offers insights into the chronic physiological impact of alcohol abuse.