NITRIC OXIDE, ENDOTHELIN-1, AND PLATELET AGGREGATION AS THE MARKERS OF ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH STAGE-II CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM
AIM: To investigate endothelial function concerning vasoactive substances content in blood serum, i.e. nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and plate let aggregation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 32 patients with stage-II chronic alcoholism, with a mean age of 36 (29.5-39.5) years. The length of alcohol consumption was 12 (10-15) years. Control group consisted of 11 healthy men with no alcohol abuse. Nitric oxide concentration in blood serum was identified by spectrophotometric method using «BCM Diagnostics» (USA) reagents. Endothelin-1 levels were examined by immuno-fermental method using «Biomedica» set (Austria). Platelet aggregation was registered using aggregometer «Chronolog», USA, according to G.V. Born. Aggregation substance concentrations of adenosine diphosphate, epinephrine and ristomycin were of 1.25 mg/ml, 1.0 µ/ml and 1.2 mg/ml, respectively. RESULTS: We identified elevated levels of NO - 26.30 (21.30-34.43) µМ/l; and of ET-1 - 0.68 (0.51-0.98) fM/ml (P<0.001). Spontaneous platelet aggregation was detected in 64.3% of studied patients. The onset of aggregation period was less with adenosine diphosphate (P<0.001), with ristomycin (P<0.001), and maximal aggregation amplitude was reduced (P<0.001). Epinephrine showed the absence of the second aggregation wave in 50% of patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with stage-II chronic alcoholism demonstrated: (1) Elevated levels of NO and ET-1 in blood serum, illustrating endothelial dysfunction; (2) Vascular endothelium damage, concerning findings of ristomycin platelet aggregation; (3) Platelet dysfunction caused by studied inducers, i.e. adenosine diphosphate, epinephrine and ristomycin.