Effects of Moderate Ethanol Consumption on Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation Through Regulation of Gene Expression in Rats.

Aims: Epidemiological studies and experimental data from rodent models have reported a non-linear relationship between consumption of alcohol and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk that suggests that light-to-moderate drinking as opposed to excessive consumption may provide some cardiovascular benefits. The present study examined potential mechanisms by which moderate alcohol consumption may provide a protective effect against CVD.

Short Summary: Wistar rats exposed for 3 months to a 20% ethanol intermittent-access voluntary drinking paradigm displayed a reduction in epididymal fat, blood glucose and non-HDL and total cholesterol.

Effects of moderate alcohol consumption on gene expression related to colonic inflammation and antioxidant enzymes in rats.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor associated with colorectal cancer; however, some studies have reported that moderate alcohol consumption may not contribute additional risk for developing colorectal cancer while others suggest that moderate alcohol consumption provides a protective effect that reduces colorectal cancer risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of moderate voluntary alcohol (20% ethanol) intake on alternate days for 3 months in outbred Wistar rats on risk factors associated with colorectal cancer development. Colonic gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2, RelA, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase M1, and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 were determined.