Effect of high alcohol intake on heavy metal levels in the blood, urine cotinine metabolism, and pulmonary function according to the severity of smoking

초록

The relationship between alcohol intake, heavy metal levels in the blood, urine cotinine (uCot), and pulmonary function in smokers has seldom been studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high alcohol consumption on heavy metal levels in the blood, cotinine metabolism, and lung function according to the severity of smoking. A total of 3,262 adult participants were evaluated by measuring heavy metal levels in the blood, uCot, and spirometric indices. The degree of alcohol intake was assessed by the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) score. In heavy smokers, levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in the blood were significantly higher in subjects with AUDIT score >= 8, than in those with AUDIT score < 8. However, in light smokers, there were no significant differences in heavy metal levels in the blood between the two groups. AUDIT score was significantly associated with mercury level in the blood, whereas uCot was correlated with cadmium levels in the blood. In nonsmokers, men with AUDIT score >= 8 demonstrated a significantly higher forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity ratio than those with AUDIT score < 8 (0.81 +/- 0.09 versus 0.76 +/- 0.08, P < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in uCot levels between the groups. In conclusion, co-use of cigarette smoking and high alcohol intake leads to elevated heavy metal levels in the blood in heavy smokers. High alcohol consumption has some positive effects on pulmonary function in nonsmokers but has no significant influence on cotinine metabolism.

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