Description
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Beneficial effects of red wine are well-documented; however, the antioxidant polyphenols in red wine cannot counteract the harmful consequences of excessive alcohol intake. Our study aimed to investigate alterations in metal ion balance, CYP enzyme activities, biochemical, redox, and immune parameters in rats, following red wine or alcohol consumption for 10 days. Wistar rats (N=15) received alcohol and red wine at doses equivalent to those typically consumed by heavy drinkers. At such intake levels, red wine provides substantial amounts of nutritionally relevant polyphenols and mineral elements (B, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, P). Compared to controls, both alcohol and red wine induced similar changes in most of the parameters, with several notable exceptions. Among the elements, Ca, P and Zn concentrations were significantly elevated in erythrocytes of red wine (4.50±0.45, 29.05±1.19 and 0.566±0.072 µg/g, respectively) and alcohol-treated groups (4.02±0.43, 23.57±0.97 and 0.557±0.123 µg/g) compared to controls (2.44±0.13, 18.76±0.74 and 0.321±0.026 µg/g). The excessive alcohol/red wine intake induced significant alterations in free radical levels in plasma, erythrocytes and liver, and hepatic Ba, Ca, Mn, Na, and P concentrations, whereas other parameters remained largely unaffected. The accumulation of heavy metal ions in the liver suggested a decline in hepatic elimination capacity. (2025-09-22)
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