Resveratrol Studied in Model of Weekend Alcohol Consumption

by CP Staff

A recent study using animal models investigated the impact of trans-resveratrol on weekend alcohol consumption and a high-sugar diet. Previous research suggests that resveratrol, the antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, provides cardiovascular protection. Thus, the researchers in this study proposed that resveratrol may also provide protection from these lifestyle factors.

In this study, rats were fed a standard diet and received either: 1) water throughout the study period; 2) water 4 days per week and 30 percent ethanol (alcohol) 3 days per week; 3) a 30 percent sucrose (sugar) drink 4 days per week and a mixture of 30 percent ethanol plus 30 percent sucrose 3 days per week; or 4) 30 percent ethanol and 30 percent sucrose plus resveratrol 3 days per week and a 30 percent sucrose drink 4 days per week. After 70 days, the rats were evaluated for calorimetric parameters such as body weight, resting metabolic rate, oxygen consumption, as well as serum lipids including triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. In addition, the liver enzymes hydroxyacyl coenzyme-A dehydrogenase and citrate synthase were measured to evaluate liver metabolism.

The results of the study showed that the lifestyle pattern of weekend alcohol consumption produces changes in serum lipids, energy consumption and liver metabolism, which resemble the changes seen with alcoholism. The rats that received 30 percent ethanol had higher resting metabolic rate, oxygen consumption, fat oxidation and serum triacylglycerol and VLDL levels. The rats that were administered ethanol plus sucrose had normal calorimetric parameters and increased carbohydrate oxidation.

In the rats that received resveratrol, triglycerides, VLDL, and the ratio of lipid hydroperoxide to total antioxidant substances (a measurement of oxidative stress) were reduced. Additionally, in the resveratrol group, there was an increase in HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) as well as in the ratio of the liver enzyme hydroxyacyl coenzyme-A dehydrogenase to citrate synthase, indicating improved liver metabolism.

The researchers concluded that resveratrol was advantageous in weekend drinking and high-sucrose intake conditions, supporting hepatic metabolism and improving factors associated with heart health.

Reference:

Rocha KK, Souza GA, Seiva FR, Ebaid GX, Novelli EL. Weekend ethanol consumption and high-sucrose diet: resveratrol effects on energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, lipid profile, oxidative stress and hepatic energy metabolism. Alcohol Alcohol. 2010 Dec 7. Published Online Ahead of Print.