Effects of pure ethanol and alcopops on glucose, insulin, and the insulin-like growth factor system in healthy subjects

Introduction: Alcohol induces disturbances in insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) levels. The aim of the present study was to compare pure ethanol and alcopop effects on total and free IGF-I, IGFBP-1, IGF-I:IGFBP-I complex, insulin and plasma glucose levels in healthy subjects. Methods: Five males and seven females (21-51 years) consumed pure ethanol and alcopops with identical alcohol content in a crossover design after 6 h fasting. Blood samples were obtained for determination of serum ethanol and plasma glucose at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min. Serum total and free IGF-I, IGFBP-I, IGF-1: IGFBP-I complex, and insulin were measured at 0, 60 and 180 min. Results: Area under the curve for serum ethanol concentration was significantly less following alcopop compared to pure ethanol (1124 201 vs. 1691 359 mmol/L h, P < 0.01). Serum insulin and glucose levels were unchanged by ethanol while alcopop intake was followed by a transient increase in glucose and insulin levels (P < 0.05). Pure ethanol and alcopop reduced free lGF-1 levels by the end of the study period (P = 0.05). IGFBP-1 and the IGF-I:IGFBP-1 complex increased following ethanol intake (P < 0.05) while only a small transient IGFBP-1 increase was observed following alcopop intake. No change in total IGF-I was observed. Conclusion: Both drinks resulted in reduced free IGF-1 levels, however, only pure ethanol increased IGFBP-1 and the IGF-I:IGFBP1 complex. Alcopop intake was associated with a transient increase in IGFBP-1 and unchanged IGF-I:IGFBP-1 complex levels probably due to marked changes in insulin and glucose levels. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.