Abstract : Wine, Spirits and the Lung: Good, Bad or Indifferent? Stephan L. Kamholz MD•North Shore-Long Islan
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Abstract : Wine, Spirits and the Lung: Good, Bad or Indifferent? Stephan L. Kamholz MD•North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System•Manhasset NY The putative cardiovascular risks and benefits of the ingestion of wine and spirits have been well publicized, however, less attention has been focused upon the health effects of wine and spirits consumption on the respiratory system. This overview will highlight epidemiologic, clinical and experimental data on the effects of wine and distilled spirits on lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, risk of lung cancer, risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome, high altitude pulmonary edema and wine [sulfite] associated asthma. Several studies have demonstrated a positive effect of light-to-moderate wine consumption on pulmonary function, while chronic ingestion of distilled spirits may have either no effect, or a negative effect. Similarly, studies in Scandinavia, Europe and South America have suggested a possible protective effect of wine ingestion against lung cancer, especially adenocarcinoma. Resveratrol [3,4’,5-trihydroxystilbene], a polyphenolic compound found in red wine, has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and estrogen agonist effects, and may be responsible for some of the health benefits of wine. Data from a number of these studies will be presented and discussed. - Slides
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