Changes in Blood Superoxide Dismutase Activities after Alcohol Withdrawal

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate changes in plasma superoxide dismutase(SOD) activities in alcohol depedence, to fine out variables to influence on the SOD activities, and finally to identify the correlation of SOD activities with the alcohol-associated cognitive disorders. METHODS: For 24 male alcoholics and 21 healthy male controls, plasma SOD activities were measured by spectrophotometry on 1-2 wks after alcohol withdrawal. Structured interviews and laboratory tests were also performed. RESULTS: 1) Upon comparing SOD activities between controls and alcoholics, the SOD activities were significantly(p<0.01) lower in alcoholics(0.308+/-0.140 units/mL) than in healthy controls(0.313+/-0.086 units/mL). 2) Upon comparing SOD activities according to the presence of alcohol-related cognitive disorders, the SOD activities were significantly(p<0.05) lower in alcoholics with cognitive disorders(0.247+/-0.049 units/mL) than in alcoholics without cognitive disorders(0.317+/-0.148 units/mL). 3) Upon comparing SOD activities according to the presence of alcoholic polyneuropathy or alcohol withdrawal seizure, the SOD activities showed no significant differences between alcoholics with polyneuropathy or epilepsy and those without. 4) Upon analyzing variables influencing on the SOD activities in alcoholics, the SOD activities had the negative correlation with hemoglobin(gamma=-0.433) and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms(gamma=-0.375). 5) Upon comparing variables according to the presence of alcohol-related cognitive disorders, the occurrence of alcoholic polyneuropathy(p<0.05) and blood phosphorus concentrations(p<0.01) were significantly higher in alcoholics with cognitive disorders than those without. 6) Upon analyzing an association between SOD activities and variables in alcoholics with cognitive disorders, the SOD activities were positively correlated with the onset age(gamma=0.995), and negatively correlated with the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms(gamma=-0.996). CONCLUSIONS: Lower SOD activities in alcohol dependence suggested alcohol-associated cognitive disorders and alcohol withdrawal symptoms might be caused by oxidative stress.