Biomedical subjects

M Wedel

Publications and source records attributed to M Wedel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Hyperoxic ventilation increases the tolerance of acute normovolemic anemia in anesthetized pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of prophylactic hyperoxic ventilation with Fio2 0.6 on the physiologic limit of acute normovolemic anemia. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, randomized experimental study. SETTING: Experimental animal laboratory of a university hospital. SUBJECTS: Fourteen anesthetized domestic pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Animals were randomly ventilated with either Fio2 0.21 (group 0.21, n = 7) or Fio2 0.6 (group 0.6, n = 7), and acute anemia was induced by isovolemic blood-for-hydroxy-ethylstarch (HES) exchange using a 6% HES solution (130/0.4). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The blood-for-HES-exchange was continued until a sudden decrease of total body oxygen consumption indicated the onset of oxygen supply dependency (primary end point); the corresponding hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was defined as "critical" (Hb(crit)). Secondary end points were changes in myocardial function, central hemodynamics, oxygen transport, and tissue oxygenation. Compared with room air ventilation (Fio2 0.21), hyperoxic ventilation with Fio2 0.6 enabled a larger blood-for-HES-exchange (139%, 124/156) of circulating blood volume vs. 87% (68/94, p < .05), until Hb(crit) was reached (1.5 g/dL [1.4/2.1] vs. 2.4 g/dL [2.0/2.8], p < .05). At Hb 2.4 g/dL (i.e., Hb(crit) in group 0.21), animals of group 0.6 still presented with superior oxygen transport, tissue oxygenation, and hemodynamic stability. However, hemodynamic and oxygen transport variables were found deteriorated more severely at Hb 1.5 g/dL (i.e., Hb(crit) of group 0.6) compared with group 0.21 at Hb 2.4 g/dL. CONCLUSION: During cell-free volume replacement, hyperoxic ventilation with Fio2 0.6 generates a readily usable plasmatic oxygen reserve and thereby increases the tolerance toward acute normovolemic anemia.

Anemia↗

PubMed2005

Variability of fine particle dose and lung deposition of budesonide delivered through two multidose dry powder inhalers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of dosing through two budesonide multidose dry powder inhalers (DPI) as derived from the in-vitro variability of the fine particle dose (FPD) and the in-vivo variability of the lung deposition at different flow rates. METHODS: The same two DPIs [device N (Novolizer) and device T (Turbuhaler)] were compared in both studies. In the in-vitro study, the variability of the FPD, measured at flow rates of 30-100 L/min, was determined for equal flow rates and at comparable maximal inspiratory pressures (MIP). In the in-vivo study in healthy subjects (scintigraphic, randomised, crossover design) the variability of the lung deposition was determined at targeted flow rates of 45, 60 and 90 L/min for device N, and at 60 L/min for device T. RESULTS: The variability of the FPD was lower with device N than with device T by 34%-86%. The differences were statistically significant for flow rates of 60, 70, 90 and 100 L/min (not significant for 40, 50 and 80 L/min) in the in-vitro study. Results for comparable MIPs showed analogous differences (79%, p = 0.004, at the clinically relevant MIP of 4.5 kPa). The variability of the lung deposition was clearly lower with the device N than with the device T. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.029) at a comparable targeted flow rate of 60 L/min. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, this study showed that device N is likely to improve the reliability of inhalation therapy by reducing both the variability of the delivered drug and that of the lung deposition. The reliability of inhalation therapy and consequently the quality of long-term control of asthma and the patient's compliance might improve when choosing the DPI with the better characteristics.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2004

An enema formulation of alicaforsen, an antisense inhibitor of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, in the treatment of chronic, unremitting pouchitis.

BACKGROUND: Pouchitis is the major long-term complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. The incidence of pouchitis is as high as 50% several years after surgery. Two-thirds of pouchitis patients suffer recurrence. Of those who recur, one-quarter suffer from chronic, unremitting pouchitis. Current treatments for this disorder are disappointing. AIM: To determine whether a topically administered enema formulation of ISIS 2302 (alicaforsen), an antisense inhibitor of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, can improve the clinical symptoms, endoscopic mucosal appearance and mucosal histology in patients with chronic, unremitting pouchitis, a disorder in which this molecule is over-expressed. METHODS: In an open-label, uncontrolled study, 12 patients with chronic, unremitting pouchitis were treated with 240 mg alicaforsen antisense enema nightly for 6 weeks. Clinical evaluation and endoscopy were performed at baseline and at weeks 3, 6 and 10. Pouchoscopy with biopsy was carried out at baseline and at weeks 6 and 10. The primary end-point was the reduction from baseline of the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) at week 6. Secondary end-points included the PDAI at week 10. Safety was evaluated by analysing the adverse events, vital signs and laboratory parameters. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of nightly alicaforsen enema, a statistically significant (n = 12, P = 0.001) reduction in the PDAI from baseline (11.42) to week 6 (6.83) was observed. Mean reductions in the endoscopy sub-score from baseline (5.25) to week 3 (3.08) and week 6 (2.58) were statistically significant (P = 0.0039 and P = 0.0005, respectively). The mean reductions in clinical symptom sub-score from baseline (3.75) to week 3 (2.33) and week 6 (2.25) were also statistically significant (P = 0.0156 and P = 0.0117, respectively). Ten of the 12 patients achieved a mucosal appearance score of 0 or 1 at endoscopy. Five of the 12 patients (42%) had a non-statistically significant decrease in the histology component of their PDAI from baseline to week 6. By week 6, seven of the 12 patients (58%) were in remission, as defined by PDAI < 7, with a mean decrease from baseline in PDAI score of six points. The alicaforsen enemas were well tolerated and no serious side-effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Antisense enema to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is safe and well tolerated. In an open-label trial, it appeared to improve the PDAI score, clinical symptoms and endoscopic mucosal appearance. It may also improve the histology. In the light of the responses observed in this trial, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial is warranted.

Administration, Rectal↗

PubMed2001

Clinical correlation with changing radiographic appearance during partial liquid ventilation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the chest radiographic filling pattern associated with partial liquid ventilation (PLV) with the perfluorochemical perflubron (LiquiVent; Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp; San Diego CA) as a function of dose and timing. DESIGN: Post hoc review of chest radiographs by three independent observers with correlation to clinical variables. SETTING: Phase II randomized, uncontrolled, prospective, multicenter clinical trial. PATIENTS: Sixteen adult patients with diffuse bilateral infiltrates consistent with acute lung injury and a PaO(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO(2)) ratio < 300 with positive end-expiratory pressure of 13 cm H(2)O and FIO(2) > or = 0.5. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were treated with either a 10-mL/kg or 20-mL/kg loading dose of perflubron followed by maintenance dosing at 3-h intervals to protocol-determined levels. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between inhomogeneous radiographic filling during the first 48 h of treatment and the use of the lower loading dose of perflubron. Inhomogeneous radiographic filling (in 5 patients) was associated with a lower high-dose/FIO(2) ratio at 24 h compared with the remaining patients. These differences resolved by 48 h. There were no other statistically significant correlations identified. CONCLUSIONS: The radiographic appearance of PLV with perflubron appears to depend on the dose administered. Lower doses can be associated with both inhomogeneous radiographic filling and a transient deterioration in oxygenation during the first 24 to 48 h of treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Fat Watch: a nationwide campaign in The Netherlands to reduce fat intake--process evaluations.

Fat Watch was a four-year campaign carried out in cooperation with retailers and industry, aiming at a reduction of fat consumption by 10% among the Dutch population. Mass media and supermarkets were the main conveyers of the message. Supermarkets participated well in the first (53%) and in the third year (51%), but to a lesser extent in the second year (36%). Campaign awareness in the target group (household shoppers for food) was relatively high in the first year (60%), but dropped in the next two years (40% and 32%, respectively). Combined with prominent mass media messages and with promotional activities of food products by suppliers, supermarkets seem a good channel for dissemination of nutrition information. Fat Watch has proved that cooperation of governmental, industrial and retail organizations for several years with respect to nutrition education activities is possible in the Netherlands.

Diet Surveys↗

PubMed1994

Thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6: impact of restricted intake on physical performance in man.

OBJECTIVE: A combined marginally deficient status of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin C may affect physical performance, but the relative contribution of each vitamin can only be speculated. In a previous study we did not find any effect of restricted intake of vitamin C individually. Therefore, the functional effect of restriction of thiamin, riboflavin or vitamin B6, individually or in conjunction, was investigated. METHODS: A double-blind, 2 x 2 x 2 complete factorial experiment on the effects of thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 restriction on physical performance was executed with 24 healthy men. During 11 weeks of low vitamin intake, the subjects were given a daily diet of regular food products providing no more than 55% of the Dutch Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6. Other vitamins were supplemented at twice the RDA level. RESULTS: In vitamin-restricted subjects, blood vitamin levels, erythrocytic enzyme activities and urinary vitamin excretion decreased and in vitro erythrocytic enzyme stimulation increased. Short-time vitamin restriction had no harmful effects on health. A significant overall decrease was observed in aerobic power (VO2-max; 11.6%), onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA; 7.0%) and oxygen consumption at this power output (VO2-OBLA; 12.0%), peak power (9.3%), mean power (6.9%) and related variables (p < 0.01). However, the observed performance decrements could not be attributed to marginal deficiency for any of the vitamins studied. CONCLUSION: The absence of vitamin-specific effects on performance decrements due to thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 restriction suggests quantitatively similar but non-additive effects of these B-vitamins on mitochondrial metabolism.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Marginal nutritional status among institutionalized elderly women as compared to those living more independently (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System).

The nutritional status (assessed by anthropometric indices, and biochemical and hematological variables in blood) of three groups of elderly women (aged > or = 65 years) was evaluated within the framework of the Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System. The groups were composed of women living in a nursing home (n = 51), women living in service flats and receiving their dinners from the nursing home kitchen (n = 29), and women living independently (n = 52). Mean blood levels of folate, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, albumin, selenium and total cholesterol were significantly (p < 0.05) lower among nursing home women. Among these women a biochemical deficiency was frequently found for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (73%), pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (57%), vitamin C (38%), selenium (30%) and folate (28%). These nutritional risks were largely independent of each other. Since folate and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate were associated with several clinicochemical indicators, health status may be an important determining factor for this unfavorable situation. Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were associated with limited exposure to ultraviolet radiation and nonusage of vitamin D supplements. We conclude that dietary intake variables are not the only determinants of a marginal nutritional status among nursing home women. Use of foods with a high nutrient density should be encouraged, whereas other preventive measures are needed to improve vitamin D status.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Clustering of dietary variables and other lifestyle factors (Dutch Nutritional Surveillance System).

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate whether dietary factors cluster in a favourable or unfavourable way and to characterise the groups identified by lifestyle and sociodemographic variables. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross sectional study was based on data of the 1987-1988 Dutch national food consumption survey (DNFCS), obtained from a panel by a stratified probability sample of the non-institutionalised Dutch population. PARTICIPANTS: 3781 adults (1802 males and 1979 females) of the DNFCS, aged 19 to 85 years, were studied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: To estimate dietary intake two day food records were used. Lifestyle factors were collected by structured questionnaire and sociodemographic variables were available from panel information. Cluster analysis was used to classify subjects into groups based on similarities in dietary variables. Subsequently, these groups were characterised by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors as well as by the consumption of food groups. Eight clusters were found. In comparison with the guidelines, the dietary quality in four clusters was poor. The cluster with the poorest dietary intake (high intake of fat, cholesterol, and alcohol; low intake of dietary fibre) showed on average a high consumption of animal products (except milk), fats and oils, snacks, and alcoholic beverages, and a low consumption of fruit, potatoes, vegetables, and sugar rich products. Smoking, body mass index, dietary regimen on own initiative, hours of sleep, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and day of the week were found to discriminate among the clusters. CONCLUSIONS: Cluster analysis resulted in substantial differences in mean nutrient intake and seems useful for dietary risk group identification. Undesirable lifestyle habits were interrelated in some clusters, but an exclusive lifestyle for health risk has not been found.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Indicators of iodine status among adults. Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System.

To evaluate the iodine status of Dutch adults we used three different iodine status indicators, namely urinary 24-hour iodide excretion (I/24 h), iodide/creatinine ratio in 24-hour urine samples (I/Cr) and 24-hour iodide excretion per kilogram body weight (I/kg). Additionally, the habitual daily iodine intake was calculated. Men had higher mean I/24 h and mean iodine intake than women. No differences between men and women were found for mean I/Cr and mean I/kg. Relatively high (greater than or equal to 18%) prevalences of low values for the different iodine status indicators were found, especially for I/24 h. The intraindividual variance for all three indicators was high. Risk assessment regarding iodine supply, based on urinary iodide excretion, depends on the indicator used, and therefore caution is called for when drawing conclusions. Our results do not argue against the usage of I/24 h as iodine status indicator. More research is needed to solve the question whether iodine requirement depends on such factors as body size, body composition and physical activity.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Iodide excretion before and after revision of goiter prophylaxis (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System).

To assess the iodine supply in The Netherlands after the revision of the goiter prophylaxis measures (Bread Act of 1982, with an increase of iodine content of bread salt) the data of a nationwide survey among Dutch elderly people conducted in 1984/1985 were analysed. Iodide excretion in 24 h urine samples was used as the main iodine status indicator. The data were compared with data on iodine nutriture obtained among an elderly population in The Netherlands before the revision of goiter prophylaxis. High prevalences (greater than or equal to 37%) of low iodine excretion (less than 0.78 mumol/24 h; 100 micrograms/24 h) were found for Dutch elderly people. Mean urinary iodide excretion was 0.95 mumol/24 h (121 micrograms/24 h) for men and 0.79 mumol/24 h (100 micrograms/24 h) for women which is low, especially among women, in comparison with the United States recommended dietary allowance (118 mumol/day = 150 micrograms/day). Consistent positive associations of iodide excretion were found with urinary potassium and sodium excretion, bread consumption and total iodine intake. Bread, as the iodine carrier chosen for goiter prophylaxis in The Netherlands, was found to be the main dietary iodine source. No improvement in iodine nutrition was found among the elderly studied in 1984/1985 in comparison with an elderly population seen in 1981. Therefore, it is concluded that the present measures regarding goiter prophylaxis in The Netherlands might be of limited effectiveness.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Effect of various levels of selenium in wheat and meat on blood Se status indices and on Se balance in Dutch men.

After a 5-week period of low selenium intake, twenty-four Dutch men received 55, 135 or 215 micrograms Se/d as Se-rich meat or bread for a 9-week period. Four unsupplemented subjects served as controls. Plasma Se increased more rapidly than erythrocyte Se levels; the increases were significantly dependent (P less than 0.001) on Se intake level. Glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9; GSH-Px) activity in platelets increased rapidly after supplementation and plateaued after 4-9 weeks. At 10 weeks after supplementation ended, plasma Se levels and platelet GSH-Px were still higher than the baseline values whereas erythrocyte Se levels continued to increase. Except for the higher erythrocyte Se levels after supplementation with high-Se meat, there were no differences in bioavailability of Se between meat and wheat products. Daily urinary and faecal Se excretions as well as Se retention increased with an increased Se intake irrespective of the form of the supplement. Regression of Se excretion v. intake indicated that 33 micrograms Se/d is necessary to compensate for urinary and faecal losses.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Nutrition and blood pressure among elderly men and women (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System).

Associations between blood pressure and nutrition-related variables (body mass index, dietary intake, and 24-hr excretion of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the urine) were investigated in men (n = 138) and women (n = 117) 65-79 years old not using drugs known to affect blood pressure and not on a diet. Among men, body mass index was positively and creatinine clearance was inversely associated with systolic blood pressure, whereas body mass index and urinary sodium:potassium ratio were positively associated with diastolic blood pressure. Among women, both age and urinary calcium:creatinine ratio were positively associated with systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure. Coffee consumption was positively correlated with blood pressure and urinary calcium:creatinine ratio among the women. From the results it appears that, besides "normal" weight, increased potassium intake and urinary excretion may exert a protective effect among elderly men against hypertension when sodium exposure is relatively high. The positive association between urinary calcium:creatinine ratio and blood pressure among the women may be partly due to coffee consumption.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Nutrition and serum cholesterol levels among elderly men and women (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System).

Associations of serum cholesterol with relevant dietary intake variables (assessed with the dietary history method) and body mass index were investigated in elderly men (n = 199) and women (n = 180) 65-79 years old. All subjects were apparently healthy, nondiabetic, and not on a dietary regimen. The associations were studied separately for men and women using linear regression analysis and all possible subsets regression analysis. Among men, body mass index (kg/m2) and intake of monounsaturated fat and of alcohol were positively and consistently associated with serum total cholesterol. Among women, intake of alcohol and of saturated fat were positively associated, and intake of polysaccharides was inversely associated with serum total cholesterol. The intake of monounsaturated fatty acids was highly (r greater than .60) positively correlated with the intake of total fat and saturated fatty acids, and inversely with carbohydrates. HDL-cholesterol was positively associated with alcohol intake (significant for men only), and inversely with body mass index (women). The results indicate that the effect of dietary factors on serum cholesterol levels is probably not age-limited. Elderly people may potentially benefit from weight reduction or control, moderate alcohol consumption, and avoidance of too much dietary fat. These suggestions are in fair accordance with general population-based guidelines for a healthy diet. However, as our study was cross-sectional, causation as well as the public health impact remains to be proven.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Application of a three-compartment model to a study of the effects of sex, alcohol dose and concentration, exercise and food consumption on the pharmacokinetics of ethanol in healthy volunteers.

A recently developed three-compartment model for the absorption and elimination of ingested alcohol was applied to re-analyse a study on the effects of various factors known to influence the blood-alcohol curve. The absorption and elimination of alcohol after drinking diluted alcohol were studied in healthy volunteers under strictly standardized conditions. The factors studied were sex, dose, concentration, physical exercise, meal consumption before drinking, energy content and composition of the meal, and time of drinking in relation to meal consumption. Gastric emptying and absorption from the small intestine were assumed to be first-order, and a possible delay (or acceleration) of gastric emptying was accounted for by a feedback-control parameter. The elimination process was assumed to follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Clear effects were observed of sex and dose, and aspects of meal consumption on absorption and elimination of alcohol. The ingestion of a meal prior to the intake of alcohol reduced both the gastric emptying rate and absorption efficiency of alcohol, increased the gastric emptying delay and reduced the rate of elimination. The absorption efficiency was even lower when the alcohol was consumed during the meal instead of after the meal. Using alcohol during the meal accelerated gastric emptying and reduced absorption efficiency as well as rate of elimination. High-fat meals resulted in the highest gastric emptying rate and rate of absorption from the small intestine, whereas high-protein and high-sucrose meals resulted in the lowest gastric emptying rate. Simultaneous consumption of a high-sucrose meal and alcohol increased gastric emptying delay.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Vitamin C analysis in whole blood, plasma and cells using reduced glutathione as preservative (stabilizer): losses and redistribution.

The losses and redistribution of vitamin C in blood fractions (stabilized with reduced glutathione) during 4 hours of storage at room temperature in the dark was studied among 27 elderly women. Storage did not have a statistically significant (p greater than 0.05) effect on the mean vitamin C levels in cells, plasma and whole blood. The results point to a redistribution of vitamin C among blood fractions. It is concluded that vitamin C concentrations in cells rather than in plasma should be the principal indicator of the vitamin C status when blood (stabilized with reduced glutathione) is stored at room temperature before specimen handling.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Dutch dietary guidelines: impact on blood lipids, blood pressure, body composition and urinary mineral excretion of Dutch middle-aged men.

In this study the impact of the Dutch dietary guidelines diet on various health status parameters was examined. Twelve apparently healthy men aged 35-52 years were given both the guidelines diet (G) and the 'average' Dutch diet (D) in a controlled eight-week study period with a cross-over design. Compared with the D diet, the G diet contained less fat (accounting for 35 per cent vs 44 per cent of total energy intake), about half the amounts of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and twice the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The G diet was given either as a high-sugar or as a low-sugar variant (25 per cent and 15 per cent of total daily energy intake, respectively). Serum total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol decreased during the four-week G diet from 5.76 to 4.99, from 3.95 to 3.35 and from 1.13 to 1.03 mmol/l respectively. Also the apo-lipoprotein A-I, A-II and B concentrations decreased in subjects on the G diet. Blood pressure and body composition did not change significantly. Urinary pH and the excretion of sodium and potassium were significantly lower for the G diet. It is concluded that the combined factors in the Dutch guidelines diet, irrespective of amount of sugar, has favourable effects on total and LDL-cholesterol levels, whereas the decrease of the concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and of apo-A-I and A-II is less desirable. The changes in urinary mineral excretion, in particular of sodium, during the G-diet is considered as a positive effect.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Diet and other life-style factors in high and low socio-economic groups (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System).

Insight into the occurrence of and the association between certain socio-economic variables and life-style characteristics is necessary for preventive nutrition and health policy. The prevalence of and the interdependencies among these variables were examined in 1930 men and 2204 women aged 19 to 85 who participated in the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 1987-1988. Dietary data were based on a two-day record. The associations among discrete variables were analysed using log-linear models. Analysis of covariance was used to explore the effects of the aggregate socio-economic status (SES) on dietary intake and anthropometry, whereas differences in food intake and SES were assessed by the non-parametric test of Kruskal and Wallis. In comparison to subjects with a high SES in people with a low SES a higher proportion of smokers (48 vs 32 per cent) was observed, a higher prevalence of obesity (39 vs 28 per cent), a higher percentage of heavy coffee drinkers (greater than six cups per day, 23 vs 17 per cent), and more subjects who skipped breakfast (19 vs 11 per cent). In the highest SES class more subjects used nutritional supplements (18 vs 11 per cent), more subjects followed a dietary rule (five vs two per cent), such as a vegetarian diet, and a higher proportion used more than three alcoholic drinks per day (19 vs 15 per cent). A higher SES was associated with a lower fat intake, but the differences (expressed as per cent of energy intake) were rather small and even absent among women when the contribution of alcohol to energy was not taken into account. In general, dietary intake among subjects in higher SES groups tended to be closer to dietary recommendations. The results indicate that a lower SES is accompanied by a higher prevalence of several indicators of an unhealthy life-style.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Effects of moderate alcohol consumption on platelet function, tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor.

Short-term effects of moderate alcohol consumption on platelet function, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) were studied in two age groups of volunteers (20-30 and 45-55 years), each consisting of eight healthy males. The alcohol (30 g in red port and wine) was consumed during a standard dinner. Two blood samples were drawn: one in the postprandial phase, and one the next morning after fasting overnight. Alcohol consumption tended to increase platelet aggregation and production of hydroxy fatty acids, reduced plasma t-PA activity and increased PAI activity in the postprandial phase. After the overnight fast the effects on t-PA and PAI had disappeared whereas at that time alcohol consumption tended to decrease platelet function. The effects of alcohol on t-PA and PAI activity appeared mainly in the older age group, whereas the t-PA activity in this group was already much lower, irrespective of alcohol consumption.

Adult↗