Objectives : The aims of this study were to evaluate changes in plasma superoxide
dismutase(SOD) activities in alcohol depedence, to fine out variables to influence on the
SOD activities, and finally to identify the correlation of SOD activities with the
alcohol-associated cognitive disorders.
Methods : For 24 male alcoholics and 21 healthy male controls, plasma SOD activities
were measured by spectrophotometry on 1-2 wks after alcohol withdrawal. Structured
interviews and laboratory tests were also performed.
Results : 1) Upon comparing SOD activities between controls and alcoholics, the SOD
activities were significantly(p<0.01) lower in alcoholics(0.308±0.140 units/mL) than in
healthy controls(0.313±0.086 units/mL).
2) Upon comparing SOD activities according to the presence of alcohol-related
cognitive disorders, the SOD activities were significantly(p<0.05) lower in alcoholics with
cognitive disorders(0.247±0.049 units/mL) than in alcoholics without cognitive
disorders(0.317±0.148 units/mL).
3) Upon comparing SOD activities according to the presence of alcoholic
polyneuropathy or alcohol withdrawal seizure, the SOD activities showed no significant
differences between alcoholics with polyneuropathy or epilepsy and those without.
4) Upon analyzing variables influencing on the SOD activities in alcoholics, the SOD
activities had the negative correlation with hemoglobin(γ=-0.433) and severity of alcohol
withdrawal symptoms(γ=-0.375).
5) Upon comparing variables according to the presence of alcohol-related cognitive
disorders, the occurrence of alcoholic polyneuropathy(p<0.05) and blood phosphorus
concentrations(p<0.01) were significantly higher in alcoholics with cognitive disorders
than those without.
6) Upon analyzing an association between SOD activities and variables in alcoholics
with cognitive disorders, the SOD activities were positively correlated with the onset
age(γ=0.995), and negatively correlated with the severity of alcohol withdrawal
symptoms(γ=-0.996).
Conclusions : Lower SOD activities in alcohol dependence suggested alcohol-associated
cognitive disorders and alcohol withdrawal symptoms might be caused by oxidative
stress.
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