Sex-dependent alterations in erythrocyte trace element levels and antioxidant status after a month of moderate daily red wine consumption.
OBJECTIVE
We tested the hypothesis whether trace elements and antioxidant status change in a sex-dependent manner may contribute to sex-dependent hepatic effects of moderate daily wine consumption.


METHODS
Twenty-one healthy young men and women were enrolled to this study who consumed red wine 0.3 and 0.2 l per day, respectively, for a month. Blood was taken at baseline (BV) and at end of the study (EV). Red cell trace element levels, red cell and plasma antioxidant status and serum routine blood chemistry were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.


RESULTS
No sign of hepatotoxicity was detected. BV level of some trace elements (i.e. Zn, Pb) and Zn/Cu ratios were higher in women than in men. Ca, Mg, Pb, Sr and Zn levels and the Zn/Cu ratio had lower EV than BV in women. In men, Al, Ca, Li, Pb and Sr levels had lower EV than BV. The tested antioxidant parameters improved in both the sexes.


CONCLUSIONS
Although no hepatotoxicity was observed, changes in trace element content were detected after 1 month of moderate red wine consumption. The most remarkable sex-specific alteration was the decrease of Zn levels and of the Zn/Cu ratio in women. Given the protective effect of Zn against liver damage, this finding suggests a possible contribution of decreased Zn levels to sex-dependent effects of red wine.
Central Laboratory (Pest) of Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary. bekgab@bel1.sote.hu
Gabriella
G
Beko
Krisztina
K
Hagymasi
Klara
K
Szentmihalyi
Eva Stefanovits
ES
Banyai
Janos
J
Osztovits
Judit
J
Fodor
Janos
J
Feher
Anna
A
Blazovics
D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008108:Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000097:blood*; D014920:Wine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D014131:Trace Elements