Effects of exercise and ethanol ingestion on platelet thromboxane release in healthy men

Binge drinking and mortality after acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Moderate drinkers have a lower risk of mortality after myocardial infarction (MI). Although binge drinking has been associated with a higher risk of MI in some studies, its relation to prognosis after MI is uncertain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a prospective, inception cohort study conducted at 45 US hospitals, 1935 patients hospitalized with a confirmed MI between 1989 and 1994 underwent detailed personal interviews. Patients reported their usual frequency of binge drinking of beer, wine, and liquor, defined as intake of 3 or more drinks within 1 to 2 hours, and were followed up for mortality for a median of 3.8 years. Of 1919 eligible patients, 250 (94% men) reported binge drinking during the prior year, and a total of 318 patients died during follow-up. Binge drinkers had a 2-fold higher risk of mortality than drinkers who did not binge (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.0). A comparison of 192 binge drinkers and 192 other patients matched on propensity scores yielded a similar result. The association between binge drinking and total mortality tended to be similar among patients whose usual alcohol intake was light or heavier and for binge drinkers who consumed beer, wine, or liquor. Usual alcohol intake was inversely associated with mortality, but binge drinking completely attenuated this relation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that alcohol consumption may be linked to potential hazards among patients who survive acute MI. Although moderate intake has been associated with lower mortality, binge drinking, even among light drinkers, appears to be associated with 2-fold higher mortality.

Application of an alpha-sidechain length-specific monoclonal antibody to immunoaffinity purification and enzyme immunoassay of 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha from human urine

2,3-Dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha) is a major urinary metabolite of PGI2 (prostacyclin) and one of the most reliable parameters of PGI2 production in vivo. A mouse was immunized with 2,3-dinor-6-keto-20-carboxy-PGF1 alpha conjugated to bovine serum albumin for preparation of a monoclonal antibody which recognized the difference in the alpha-sidechain length of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and its 2,3-dinor-metabolite. A sensitive and specific enzyme immunoassay was developed by the solid-phase competition method with 2,3-dinor-6-keto-20-carboxy-PGF1 alpha labeled with peroxidase protein. The detection range of the assay was 14-1200 fmol (IC50 = 120 fmol). The cross-reactivities of the antibody with 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, 6,15-diketo-13,14-dihydro-PGF1 alpha, and other arachidonate metabolites were less than 0.01%. An immunoaffinity column was prepared by coupling the anti-2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha antibody to BrCN-activated Sepharose 4B. Human urine was applied to an octadecylsilyl silica cartridge, and the extract was applied to the immunoaffinity column. This procedure allowed an efficient separation of 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha from unidentified urinary substances which interfered with immunoassay. Validity of the results obtained by the enzyme immunoassay was confirmed by GC/MS employing selected ion monitoring for quantification.

Effects of catecholamines on eicosanoid synthesis with special reference to prostanoid/leukotriene ratio

Catecholamines (adrenaline, dopamine, and noradrenaline) stimulate prostanoid synthesis by acting as "cosubstrates." On the other hand, many inhibitors of leukotriene synthesis, such as nordihydroguaiaretic acid and caffeic acid, have a catecholic structure. Catecholamines have opposite effects on prostanoid and leukotriene synthesis in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and whole blood. Basic phenols (catechol, hydroquinone, and phenol) also increase the prostanoid/leukotriene ratio in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. These actions correlate to their antioxidant capacities and oxidation potentials, and they are not mediated via adrenergic receptors. There is only limited knowledge about the effects of natural catecholamines on the prostanoid/leukotriene ratio in vitro and in vivo. Indirect data suggest that catecholamines could increase prostanoid production in physiological or pathological situations, such as heavy physical exercise, myocardial infarction, and surgical stress. This interaction may also be of clinical importance in asthma, gastric ulcer, and psoriasis, where decreased prostanoid/leukotriene ratios have been reported.