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Alcoholic beverages: a source of estrogenic substances?
J S Gavaler1, A F Imhoff, C R Pohl
1Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA.
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire). Supplement
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Alcoholic beverages may contain estrogenic substances beyond ethanol. Bourbon congeners, when administered to rats, caused dose-dependent responses, suggesting a role in feminization associated with alcoholism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Male feminization in alcoholic cirrhosis is not fully explained by normal or moderately elevated estrogen levels.
- Research has primarily focused on ethanol's role, neglecting other beverage components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if alcoholic beverage congeners possess estrogenic activity.
- To explore a potential cause for feminization in alcoholic males.
Main Methods:
- Congeners were extracted from bourbon.
- Ovariectomized rats were administered bourbon congeners in a dose-response study.
- Uterus and fallopian tube mass, and luteinizing hormone levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Bourbon congeners induced a dose-dependent increase in uterine and fallopian tube mass.
- Plasma luteinizing hormone levels showed a dose-dependent response to congener exposure.
- Findings suggest estrogenic activity of alcoholic beverage congeners.
Conclusions:
- Congeners in alcoholic beverages, specifically bourbon, exhibit estrogenic properties.
- These findings support the hypothesis that alcoholic beverages contain estrogenically active substances.
- Congeners may contribute to the feminization observed in alcoholic males.