Effect of alcohol consumption on the liver detoxication capacity as measured by [¹³C₂]aminopyrine and L-[1-¹³C]phenylalanine breath tests

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatic microsomal and cytosolic functions by using the ¹³CO₂ breath test in healthy subjects either before or after consumption of red wine. Twelve adults received [¹³C₂]aminopyrine and l-[1-¹³C]phenylalanine together with a standardised dinner. Expired air samples were taken over 6 h. After a wash-out period, the subjects consumed 0.4 ml ethanol per kg per day together with dinner over a 7.5-day period on average. Thereafter, ¹³C-tracer administration was repeated under identical conditions. The ¹³CO₂ enrichments were measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The mean cumulative percentage ¹³C-dose recovery after administration of [¹³C₂]aminopyrine and l-[1-¹³C]phenylalanine either without or with red wine consumption amounted to 17.0±4.4 vs. 14.7±3.1% (p=0.170) and 14.0±2.8 vs. 11.5±3.9% (p=0.084), respectively. Moderate alcohol consumption does not induce significant short-term changes of the microsomal and the cytosolic function of the human liver in healthy subjects.

Keywords:

• alcohol
• ¹³C
• ¹³CO₂ breath tests
• diagnostic isotope application in medicine
• liver function
• human
• [¹³C₂]aminopyrine
• l-[1-¹³C]phenylalanine

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Julia Klose and Marita Schläfke for their technical assistance.