Sex-dependent alterations in erythrocyte trace element levels and antioxidant status after a month of moderate daily red wine consumption

Objective We tested the hypothesis whether trace elements and antioxidant status change in a sex-dependent manner may contribute to sex-dependent hepatic effects of moderate daily wine consumption. Patient and methods Twenty-one healthy young men and women were enrolled to this study who consumed red wine 0.3 and 0.21 per day, respectively, for a month. Blood was taken at baseline (BV) and at end of the study (EV). Red cell trace element levels, red cell and plasma antioxidant status and serum routine blood chemistry were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Results No sign of hepatotoxicity was detected. BV level of some trace elements (i.e. Zn, Pb) and Zn/Cu ratios were higher in women than in men. Ca, Mg, Pb, Sir and Zn levels and the Zn/Cu ratio had lower EV than BV in women. In men, Al, Ca, Li, Pb and Sir levels had lower EV than BV. The tested antioxidant parameters improved in both the sexes. Conclusion Although no hepatotoxicity was observed, changes in trace element content were detected after 1 month of moderate red wine consumption. The most remarkable sex-specific alteration was the decrease of Zn levels and of the Zn/Cu ratio in women. Given the protective effect of Zn against liver damage, this finding suggests a possible contribution of decreased Zn levels to sex-dependent effects of red wine. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 22:185-191 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins