3 - Intro to Wine - Health

Question 1

What is the French Paradox?

Answer 1

Despite consuming high-fat foods, French people have low rates of cardiovascular disease, partly attributed to wine consumption

Question 2

Which enzyme is critical in detoxifying acetaldehyde during alcohol metabolism?

Answer 2

ALDH-2 (Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2)

Question 3

What are the genetic variants of ALDH-2, and how do they affect alcohol tolerance?

Answer 3

1/1: Fastest acetaldehyde detoxification.
1/2 (heterozygote): Intermediate detoxification; higher GI cancer risk.
2/2 (homozygote): Unable to metabolize acetaldehyde; leads to flushing.

Question 4

What are the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption?

Answer 4

Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved brain function, lower Type 2 diabetes risk, and potential longetivity benefits.

Question 5

Name three traits of “healthy” wines.

Answer 5

1. Dry (low sugar)
2. Lower alcohol (le 12.5% ABV)
3. High polyphenol content (e.g., procyanidins)

Question 6

What is resveratrol, and why is it significant in red wine?

Answer 6

Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in grape skins that helps reduce LDL cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and has potential anti-aging effects.

Question 7

Which wines are high in anthocyanin?

Answer 7

Petite Sirah, Tannat, Sangrantino, Touriga Nacional, and Aglianico.

Question 8

How does alcohol improve heart health?

Answer 8

Increases HDL cholesterol.
Decreases LDL cholesterol.
Reduces platelet aggregation and fibrionegen.

Question 9

What is the relationship between moderate drinking and Type 2 diabetes?

Answer 9

Moderate drinkers are about 30% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes compared to abstainers or heavy drinkers

Question 10

Which compound in wine provide antioxidant benefits?

Answer 10

Polyphenols, including procyanidis, tannins, and resveratrol

Question 11

How does alcohol metabolism contribute to its toxic effects?

Answer 11

Metabolism can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), change redox state, and impair other metabolic processes, leading to tissue damage and cancer.

Question 12

What is the impact of red wine on gut microbiota?

Answer 12

Resveratrol in red wine can increase beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides) and reduce harmful compounds like TMAO, which is linked to heart disease.

Question 13

Which pathways are involved in alcohol metabolism?

Answer 13

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1), Catalase

Question 14

What are the consequences of alcohol metabolism?

Answer 14

Oxygen deficits in the liver (hypoxia).
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation.
Tissue damage.
Fetal damage.
Cancer risk.
Impaired metabolic processes.

Question 15

How does binge drinking affect the brain?

Answer 15

Overwhelms ALDH1a1, reducing GABA levels, to increased dopamine and higher addiction risk.

Question 16

How does the ALDH2*2 mutation affect alcohol tolerance?

Answer 16

Found in ~30% of people in Asian descent (heterozygotes)
Homozygotes cannot metabolize alcohol and experience flushing and severe reactions

Question 17

What is the role of BDNF in alcohol use disorders?

Answer 17

Lower BDNF levels (e.g., due to Met68BDNF mutation) are linked to excessive alcohol consumption and addiction.

Question 18

What potential treatments target the genetic basis of alcohol additction?

Answer 18

Gene delivery to increase BDNF levels in the brain; Compounds mimicking BDNF, like LM22A-4, to reduce compulsive drinking.

Question 19

What diseases show reduced risk with moderate alcohol consumption

Answer 19

Cardiovascular disease; type 2 diabetes; alzheimer’s and dementia; rheumatoid arthritis; kidney cancer; non-hodgkin’s lymphoma

Question 20

How does alcohol compare calorically to other macronutrients?

Answer 20

Alcohol; 7 kcal/gram
Carbs and Protein: 4 kcal/gram
Fat: 9 kcal/gram

Question 21

What did a Harvard study find about moderate drinking and logevity?

Answer 21

Moderate drinkers had a 21-28% lower risk of death from all causes compared to absteiners

Question 22

What effect does moderate alcohol consumption have on stress and work absence?

Answer 22

Moderate drinkers under stress are less likely to be absent from work.

Question 23

Why might moderate drinking be more effective than lifestyle changes for reducing heart disease risk?

Answer 23

It provides greater benefits for cholesterol and heart health, even more than strict diets or exercise.

Question 24

What was the finding of the Rhode Island study comparing red wine and vodka?

Answer 24

Both improved cardiovascular health, but red wine had greater benefits due to its antioxidants.