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[Hemorheological disorders linked to alcoholism]
M Gueguen-Duchesne1, D Delamaire, F Durand
1Centre Régional de Transfusion Sanguine, Rennes, France.
Pathologie-Biologie
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Alcohol consumption significantly impairs blood flow and red blood cell health, leading to liver disease. These haemorheological changes, including reduced filterability and increased viscosity, are linked to red cell membrane abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) affects numerous individuals globally.
- Understanding the haemorheological impact of alcohol on liver disease is crucial for patient management.
- Previous studies have indicated alterations in blood properties in ALD, but the specific mechanisms require further elucidation.
Purpose:
- To investigate haemorheological parameters in alcoholic subjects across different stages of liver disease.
- To compare these parameters with non-alcoholic liver diseases and healthy controls.
- To elucidate the role of alcohol itself in inducing these haemorheological disturbances.
Summary:
- A study of 138 alcoholic subjects revealed decreased whole blood filterability and erythrocyte ATP levels, alongside increased blood and plasma viscosities.
- Scanning electron microscopy showed morphological alterations in red blood cells.
- These changes correlate with altered red cell membrane lipids, including an increased cholesterol/phospholipids ratio and modified fatty acid composition.
- Acute alcohol consumption experiments in healthy subjects confirmed alcohol's direct role in causing these disturbances.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the detrimental effects of alcohol on blood rheology and red blood cell integrity.
- Provides insights into the pathogenesis of liver disease progression in alcoholic patients.
- Suggests potential therapeutic targets for managing haemorheological complications in ALD.