Moderate Drinking Group Research Articles

Alcohol Consumption and Cognitive Function in an Older Population in China

The relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive function has only been studied to a limited extent in China. This paper examines this relationship using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a nationally representative dataset of the Chinese population aged over 45. Alcohol consumption was measured by drinking status (never, former, moderate, excessive drinkers) based on number of standard drinks per week. Mental status and episodic memory function were used as measures of cognitive function. Lagged dependent variable models were used to examine independent associations between alcohol consumption and cognitive function. Our models controlled for demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, baseline cognitive functioning and an indicator for lifestyle. We also tested for an inverted J shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive functioning. A total of 10404 nondrinkers (60.09%), 2450 former drinkers (14.15%), 1599 moderate drinkers (9.24%) and 1525 excessive drinkers (8.81%) were included. Compared to never drinkers, there were no statistically significant difference between this group and moderate drinking group. While, excessive drinkers were consistently associated with on average 0.13-point decrease in episodic memory scores (p =0.031). For mental intactness, there were no statistically significant differences between never drinkers and other groups. Furthermore, we did not find evidence to support an inverted J-shaped association between standard drinks per week and measures of cognitive functioning. Excessively drinking was associated with greater decline in episodic memory function, but not in mental intactness in elder Chinese population. There is no significant association between moderate drinking and cognitive functioning measures.

The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Health-Related Behavior Changes: The Korea National Health Examination Survey

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of health-related behavior changes on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study utilized data from the Korea National Health Examination Survey of adults aged 40 or older who underwent health screening in 2011, 2013, and 2015. The prevalence of MetS was analyzed according to sex, age, income, residence location, and health-related behaviors by conducting multiple logistic regression analysis. For health-related behaviors, smoking, drinking, and physical activity were examined, and changes in health-related behaviors over five years from 2011 to 2015 were included in the analysis. The prevalence of MetS in Korea in 2015 was 31.7%. The prevalence showed statistically significant differences according to sex, age, income, location, and health-related behaviors. The prevalence was higher in men than in women and increased with aging. Regarding income, MetS prevalence was slightly higher in the middle-income groups compared with the lowest or the highest. Regarding location, MetS prevalence was lower in metropolitan areas compared to small- to medium-sized cities and farming/fishery rural areas. Regarding health-related behavior, MetS prevalence increased in the smoking, heavy drinking, and passive activity groups compared with the nonsmoking, moderate drinking, and active activity groups. Regarding health-related behavior change, MetS prevalence was higher by 22% in the short-term nonsmoking group (subjects who smoked in the past but not currently) compared to the continuous nonsmoking group. The risk for MetS also increased by 84.9% in the continuous heavy drinking group compared to the continuous moderate drinking group. Finally, the risk for MetS increased by 30.3% in the continuous passive physical activity group compared to the continuous active physical activity group. This study’s findings indicate the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle habits to prevent MetS. In particular, the focus for change should be concentrated on short-term nonsmoking, continuous heavy drinking, and continuous passive physical activities to improve health-related behaviors.

Joint Associations of Alcohol Consumption and Physical Activity With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality

Individual associations of alcohol consumption and physical activity with cardiovascular disease are relatively established, but the joint associations are not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine prospectively the joint associations between alcohol consumption and physical activity with cardiovascular mortality (CVM) and all-cause mortality. Four population-based studies in the United Kingdom were included, the 1997 and 1998 Health Surveys for England and the 1998 and 2003 Scottish Health Surveys. In men and women, respectively, low physical activity was defined as 0.1 to 5 and 0.1 to 4 MET-hours/week and high physical activity as ≥5 and ≥4 MET-hours/week. Moderate or moderately high alcohol intake was defined as >0 to 35 and >0 to 21 units/week and high levels of alcohol intake as >35 and >21 units/week. In total, there were 17,410 adults without prevalent cardiovascular diseases and complete data on alcohol and physical activity (43% men, median age 55 years). During a median follow-up period of 9.7 years, 2,204 adults (12.7%) died, 638 (3.7%) with CVM. Cox proportional-hazards models were adjusted for potential confounders such as marital status, social class, education, ethnicity, and longstanding illness. In the joint associations analysis, low activity combined with high levels of alcohol (CVM: hazard ratio [HR] 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28 to 2.96, p = 0.002; all-cause mortality: HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.03, p <0.001) and low activity combined with no alcohol (CVM: HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.76, p <0.001; all-cause mortality: HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.81, p <0.001) were linked to the highest risk, compared with moderate drinking and higher levels of physical activity. Within each given alcohol group, low activity was linked to increased CVM risk (e.g., HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.03, p = 0.014, for the moderate drinking group), but in the presence of high physical activity, high alcohol intake was not linked to increased CVM risk (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.52 to 3.34, p = 0.555). In conclusion, high levels of drinking and low physical activity appear to increase the risk for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, although these data suggest that physical activity levels are more important.

Drinking in male HBV carriers in the outpatient department

To understand the relation among drinking, characteristics and emotion in outpatient male carriers with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and to provide reference for alcohol intervention. We used alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and Beck depression inventory (BDI) to investigate 980 male HBV carriers in the outpatient department. The questionnaires were responded by 544 people with drinking experience for nearly a year (drinking rate 58.18%). The prevalence of moderate drinking was 37.8% (354 patients), hazardous and harmful drinking 17.97% (168 patients) and alcohol dependence 2.35% (22 patients). In groups with different ages, education levels, occupations, income and symptoms, the constituent ratio of the hazardous harmful drinking and alcohol dependence (AUDIT 7-26 scores) was different (P<0.05). The total score in SAS in the alcohol dependence group was much higher than that in the normal group (35.95±11.55 vs 29.78±0.46, P =0.020); the total score in SAS and in BDI was significantly higher in the alcohol dependence group than that in the moderate drinking group and the hazardous harmful drinking group (35.95±11.55 and 10.45±8.95 vs 29.65±7.97 and 6.35±5.65 vs 29.68±7.06 and 6.44±5.27, respectively). Male HBV carriers of 30-49 years old, with education level lower than elementary school or higher than bachelor degree, cadres/professionals with high income and major symptoms show higher harmful/alcohol dependence (AUDIT 7-26 points). Anxiety and depression in the alcohol-dependent male hepatitis B virus carriers are obviously higher than in the moderate drinking group and the hazardous harmful drinking group.

Alcohol consumption suppresses mammary tumor metastasis in a syngeneic tumor transplantation model

Epidemiological studies indicate a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing breast cancer. However, little is known about whether alcohol consumption affects breast cancer metastasis. Considering that the primary cause of death in breast cancer patients is due to metastasis, further insight into whether alcohol consumption influences disease progression and survival is needed. We tested the effect of alcohol consumption on breast cancer metastasis using the 4T1.2 syngeneic mammary tumor model in Balb/c mice. The treatment groups included a High-consuming group (18 % w/v alcohol in drinking water), a Moderate-consuming group (5 % w/v), a Low-consuming group (1 % w/v), and a Water-drinking control group. 4T1.2 mammary tumor cells were injected orthotopically into the mammary fat pad. Metastases were enumerated in lungs and in distant mammary glands 4 weeks after injection. Consumption of High alcohol protected against metastasis, as High-consuming mice typically had 65-75 % fewer metastases compared to Water-drinking controls. A suggestive reduction in tumor spread was observed in the Moderate-drinking group, although the effects did not reach statistical significance. Consumption of the Low alcohol dose did not affect metastasis. CXCR4 expression in the primary tumors was significantly reduced by High alcohol consumption; however, expression of this chemokine receptor in the primary tumor did not correlate with metastatic potential. Additional studies were conducted to test for possible direct effects of 0.3 % w/v ethanol on tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation of 4T1.2 cells in vitro. Our results indicate that, for this murine model, alcohol consumption does not exacerbate tumor metastasis, and that High alcohol consumption reduces tumor spread.

Choice of sevoflurane and its subjective and psychomotor effects in light and moderate drinkers

Background Sevoflurane, an inhalant of the volatile anesthetic class, has neurobiological and behavioral effects in common with abused inhalants and ethanol. We sought to determine if choice for subanesthetic doses of sevoflurane, and its subjective and psychomotor effects, would differ as a function of alcohol-drinking status in healthy volunteers. Methods The effects of four concentrations of sevoflurane (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8% sevoflurane in oxygen) were studied in 16 light drinkers and 16 moderate drinkers. During each of four sessions, subjects sampled a concentration of sevoflurane and 100% O 2 (placebo) for 10 min each. Subjective and psychomotor testing commenced 5 min into each sampling trial. Later, within the session, subjects chose nine times, once every 5 min, among sevoflurane (e.g., “Agent A”), placebo (e.g., “Agent B,” 100% O 2), or neither (and were administered 100% O 2, identified as “drug-free air”). Results Choice for sevoflurane at the 0.4% concentration was significantly higher in the moderate drinkers than in the light drinkers. A number of subjective effects reported during inhalation of sevoflurane were markedly lower in the moderate-drinking group than in the light-drinking group. However, psychomotor impairment induced by sevoflurane was similar in magnitude in both groups. Conclusions Alcohol-drinking status affected sevoflurane choice. The results are consistent with several studies comparing light and heavier drinkers, using other drugs. Although both drinking groups were similarly impaired by sevoflurane, the moderate drinkers reported less of a subjective response than light drinkers, suggestive of cross-tolerance.

Videotaped Cue for Urge to Drink Alcohol

The urge to drink alcohol can be robustly and reliably induced via actual exposure to a person's preferred alcoholic beverage. Unfortunately, these exposure paradigms are unwieldy for functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. The goal of this study was to examine whether viewing a personalized videotaped cue could induce alcohol craving. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) individualized cue videotapes can reliably elicit the urge to drink alcohol in alcohol-dependent participants and (2) alcohol drinking histories can predict reactivity to cue. DSM-IV criteria were used to identify an alcohol-dependent group (ADG). Controls included a light-drinking group and a moderate-drinking group. Urge to drink alcohol was assessed at baseline and after each of five in vivo exposure conditions: water (W), alcohol 1 (A1), mood induction (M), alcohol 2 (A2), and relaxation (R). The entire exposure session was videotaped. Each participant's video footage was digitally edited to produce a 17.5-min cue that was presented to the participant 24 to 72 hr later. Ratings of urge to drink alcohol across the five exposure conditions were compared for both the in vivo and the video exposure sessions. Fourteen participants (five in the light-drinking group, four in the moderate-drinking group, and five in the ADG) completed both sessions. Participants in each group showed differences between neutral cue exposure (W and R) and alcohol-related cue exposure (A1, M, and A2) in both the in vivo cue session (p < 0.002) and the videotape session (p < 0.02). Post hoc comparisons among the groups to alcohol-related cues established that, in both sessions (p(in vivo) = 0.04; p(videotape) = 0.04), the ADG demonstrated the greatest urge to drink. Alcohol cue reactivity can be reliably induced and assessed in alcohol-dependent participants via personalized videotapes. History of alcohol consumption is positively correlated with the degree of cue reactivity. This study advances our ability to assess alcohol cue reactivity in the absence of alcohol.

Videotaped Cue for Urge to Drink Alcohol

Background: The urge to drink alcohol can be robustly and reliably induced via actual exposure to a person's preferred alcoholic beverage. Unfortunately, these exposure paradigms are unwieldy for functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. The goal of this study was to examine whether viewing a personalized videotaped cue could induce alcohol craving. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) individualized cue videotapes can reliably elicit the urge to drink alcohol in alcohol-dependent participants and (2) alcohol drinking histories can predict reactivity to cue. Methods: DSM-IV criteria were used to identify an alcohol-dependent group (ADG). Controls included a light-drinking group and a moderate-drinking group. Urge to drink alcohol was assessed at baseline and after each of five in vivo exposure conditions: water (W), alcohol 1 (A1), mood induction (M), alcohol 2 (A2), and relaxation (R). The entire exposure session was videotaped. Each participant's video footage was digitally edited to produce a 17.5-min cue that was presented to the participant 24 to 72 hr later. Ratings of urge to drink alcohol across the five exposure conditions were compared for both the in vivo and the video exposure sessions. Results: Fourteen participants (five in the light-drinking group, four in the moderate-drinking group, and five in the ADG) completed both sessions. Participants in each group showed differences between neutral cue exposure (W and R) and alcohol-related cue exposure (A1, M, and A2) in both the in vivo cue session (p < 0.002) and the videotape session (p < 0.02). Post hoc comparisons among the groups to alcohol-related cues established that, in both sessions (pin vivo= 0.04;pvideotape= 0.04), the ADG demonstrated the greatest urge to drink. Conclusions: Alcohol cue reactivity can be reliably induced and assessed in alcohol-dependent participants via personalized videotapes. History of alcohol consumption is positively correlated with the degree of cue reactivity. This study advances our ability to assess alcohol cue reactivity in the absence of alcohol.

Revising the preventive paradox: the Swiss case.

To examine Kreitman's preventive paradox of alcohol consumption and its revisions by Stockwell and colleagues and by Skog, with regard to alcohol-related social harm in Switzerland, and to shed light on the reporting of alcohol-related social harm in the low-volume drinking, non-binging subpopulation. The paper compares occurrence and severity of social harm in four subgroups defined by average consumption (volume) and binge drinking. Stage-of-change membership was used to further distinguish low-risk drinkers who might have changed their drinking patterns from those who had not. Telephone interviews were conducted with 1256 current drinkers of a probabilistic two-stage sample of the general population of Switzerland. Moderate and hazardous mean consumption (volume) was defined by means of a quantity-frequency instrument. Daily average consumption of 20 g was set as the cut-off point for women, and 30 g for men. Binge drinking was defined as taking four or more drinks on an occasion for women, and five or more for men. Structural equation modelling was used to construct a severity scale of six alcohol-related consequences: work problems, accidents and problems with the police, with friends, with a partner or with the family. Explanatory factor analysis was used to assign drinkers to motivational stages of change. Moderate drinkers in terms of volume reported more problems than hazardous drinkers, which confirms Kreitman's view. Binge drinkers reported more problems than non-binge drinkers, confirming the view of Stockwell and colleagues. Binge drinkers were more numerous in the moderate drinking group, which constituted the majority of drinkers, in accordance with Skog's view. Binge drinkers in the moderate-volume and hazardous-volume drinking groups did not differ significantly as to either severity or number of problems. Approximately 40% of moderate-volume, non-binge drinkers who reported alcohol-related social harm had already changed their consumption pattern, which indicated that reported harm was related to an earlier drinking pattern. As Skog has pointed out, the second-order preventive paradox of binge drinking reappeared, in that most binge drinkers were found to occur in the drinker group with low average consumption. Findings also indicate that, with respect to social harm, a preventive strategy aimed at the majority of the population, but on heavy-drinking occasions rather than on mean consumption, may be valuable.

Reversibility of alcohol-induced immune depression.

Alcohol abusers have suppressed cellular immune function. The aim of the study was to investigate the time of sobriety required to normalize immune function. Delayed hypersensitivity was investigated during disulfiram controlled abstinence in ten heavy alcoholics and in seven moderate drinkers without liver diseases. For comparison a control group of eight previous drinkers was tested. The skin test responses were modest initially with a median area of response of 12 mm2 (range 0-31) in the heavy alcoholics and 3 mm2 (0-15) in the moderate drinkers. It improved significantly in both groups after two weeks of sobriety. The responses stabilized after 8 weeks at 74 mm2 (54-102) in the heavy alcoholics and after 9 weeks at 63 mm2 (42-76) in the moderate drinking group. The control group had skin test responses of 70 mm2 (46-87), not different from the responses of the alcohol groups after two months of abstinence. The results suggest that while 2 weeks of abstinence from alcohol will improve the depressed cellular immunity, 2 months of sobriety is necessary to normalize it.

Ethanol-Related Cues and Behavioral Tolerance to Ethanol in Humans

The present study examined the effect of ethanol-related cues in the natural environment of the social drinker (e.g., a bar setting) upon performance on a behavioral task. Fourteen male social drinkers participated in the study. Half were designated low drinkers (3 or fewer drinks per week and little or no experience in bars) and half of the subjects comprised a moderate drinking group (8 to 15 drinks per week and drinking in bars at least 4 times per month). Subjects played a computer-controlled video game prior to and following consumption of a drink containing ethanol and orange juice. Each subject participated for one session in two different environmental settings, a standard experimental room and a room decorated to resemble a bar situation. The results showed significantly more detrimental effect of the ethanol upon performance in the standard experimental room than in the bar setting, that is, more tolerance was exhibited in the bar setting. However, no difference was observed between groups, that is, no effect of drinking experience and bar experience upon the relative amount of tolerance exhibited.