Abstract
Significantly decreased blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries, as well as decreased erythrocyte deformability, was found in heavy alcohol drinkers (Gdovinova 2002). The aim of this study was to determine if there is any correlation between the two. At the same time, the correlation between blood flow velocity and hepatic enzymes was also studied. The study group comprised 30 male patients, who were heavy alcohol drinkers, with a mean age of 46.4 years. Mean flow velocity (Vmean) was determined by a 2 MHz pulsed Doppler probe. Erythrocyte membrane biophysical properties were estimated by cation-osmotic haemolysis (COH). Hepatic enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GMT)] were measured in the Department of Biochemistry. The results were compared with the results from 20 healthy volunteers of the same age. Differences between the two groups were tested by Student’s t-test, and the relationship between blood flow velocity and COH, and of hepatic enzymes was analysed by regressive and correlative analysis. Results showed that Vmean was significantly decreased in heavy alcohol drinkers, in all cerebral arteries (the middle, anterior, and posterior cerebral arteries). No differences were noted between the left and right sides of the arteries tested. COH was similarly significantly decreased in heavy drinkers, in the medium of low (15.4 mmol/l NaCl) and high (123.2 mmol/l NaCl and above) ionic strength. Linear correlation between COH and Vmean was determined by correlative analysis, and a linear relationship was found. All hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT, GMT) were significantly increased in heavy drinkers. The relationship between Vmean and GMT was tested by the regressive analysis, and between these two parameters a linear relationship was found. It was concluded that changes in blood viscosity after the drinking of alcohol disturbs blood velocity and brain perfusion, which can be a major risk factor in strokes.
Published Version
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