Chronic Alcoholism Alters Systemic and Pulmonary Glutathione Redox StatusAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 270-276, (2007)
Previous studies have linked the development and severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome with a history of alcohol abuse. In clinical studies, this association has been centered on depletion of pulmonary glutathione and subsequent chronic oxidant stress.
The impact on redox potential of the plasma or pulmonary pools, however, has never been reported.
Chronic alcoholism was associated with alveolar oxidation and, with smoking, systemic oxidation. However, systemic oxidation did not accurately reflect the dramatic alcohol-induced oxidant stress in the alveolar space. Although there was compensation for the oxidant stress caused by smoking in control groups, the capacity to maintain a reduced environment in the alveolar space was overwhelmed in those who abused alcohol.
The significant alcohol-induced chronic oxidant stress in the alveolar space and the subsequent ramifications may be an important modulator of the increased modulator of the increased incidence and severity of acute respiratory distress
syndrome in this vulnerable population.
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