Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Monday, August 23, 2010

The Pathology of Alcohol Hangover



Research on human subjects analyzing blood and urine samples determined biological correlates that may explain the pathology of alcohol hangover.

These analyses showed that concentrations of various hormones, electrolytes, free fatty acids, triglycerides, lactate, ketone bodies, cortisol, and glucose were not significantly correlated with reported alcohol hangover severity.

Also, markers of dehydration (e.g., vasopressin) were not significantly related to hangover severity.

Some studies report a significant correlation between blood acetaldehyde concentration and hangover severity, but most convincing is the significant relationship between immune factors and hangover severity. The latter is supported by studies showing that hangover severity may be reduced by inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis.

Several factors do not cause alcohol hangover but can aggravate its severity. These include sleep
deprivation, smoking, congeners, health status, genetics and individual differences.

Future studies should more rigorously study these factors as well as biological correlates to further elucidate the pathology of alcohol hangover.


Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail:
R.Penning@uu.nl.