The effect of red wine on plasma leptin levels and vasoactive factors from adipose tissue: A randomized crossover trial

Abstract

Aims: It has been reported that alcohol has multiple effects on appetite. To elucidate potential mechanisms we measured the levels of plasma leptin and the vasoactive factors after red wine intake. Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover trial to study the effect of red wine on the levels of leptin, TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-6, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in healthy, non-smoking individuals. The subjects were randomized to drinking one glass of red wine (150 ml, 15 g alcohol) every day ('wine period') or to undergo a period of total abstention from alcohol ('abstention period'). After 3 weeks they switched the intervention group. Eighty-seven volunteers completed the study (mean age 50 years). Results: After 3 weeks' daily intake of red wine, plasma leptin was significantly increased (from 6308 pg/ml to 7402 pg/ml, P = 0.05). There was a marked gender difference, as leptin levels increased only in females (P = 0.012). When calculated as leptin/body mass index (BMI) ratio, the trend and results were similar. Red wine consumption had no significant effect on other vasoactive factors measured in this study. Conclusion: Red wine increases levels of the appetite-regulating hormone leptin in females, but not in males. Whether red wine has an effect on appetite-regulation in its own right, remains to be solved. © The Author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Medical Council on Alcohol.