Alcohol and oral cancer research breakthrough

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/news/story.asp?newsId=2114

After reading this article one of my nagging questions comes back.

The article states "During alcohol ingestion acetaldehyde appears to react with proteins in the mouth to form rigid bonds with amino acids".

So does ingestion actually mean drinking or simply having alcohol present in one's mouth?
This is where I am going with this: I am perfectly comfortable with heavy drinkers and this study, but what about non-drinkers. Specifically I know that many of the mouthwashes contain alcohol (ex. Listerine alcohol is 26.9%, thats over 50 Proof. The directions call for one to rinse full strength for 30 seconds. What effect may this have?

Thoughts, questions, observations??

Kevin

Kevin, assuming that you do not drink really cheap stuff, there should not be acetaldehyde in the alcohol you drink. Acetaldehyde is generated by alcohol dehydrogenase (an enzyme), inside cells.
There are several forms of this enzyme and it is in the liver, stomach and at least for baboons (hey that is what I came across) in virtually every tissue including esophagus (and brain and heart). Without checking on this, I presume that also includes human oral tissues. (How else would you get the chemical there).
So this then indicates that it is in the oral tissues where acetaldehyde is generated and for that you need to have alcohol present whether that is a mouthwash or a 20 year old whiskey. BTW how on earth do you tolerate 50% proof mouthwash???!! By that logic using a Peg tube you would at least not endanger the oral cavity. Although there would be little point of either mouthwash or a 20 year old Whiskey via a PEG. It is also thought that alcohol facilitates the entry of carcinogenic tobacco substances into oral tissues.

I would stay away from the mouthwash, use Biotene instead.

However, please realize that the human body itself produces alcohol! This is not an endorsement for drinking!

Markus

In most normal people, acetaldehyde continues to be broken down by the body, into acetic acid and water, eventually. (I think I am remembering my chemistry properly). However, in some people, acetaldehyde is not broken down any further. I believe this is part of the point of the article. For example, in many with the genetic predisposition to alcoholism, acetaldehyde does not get broken down as in a normal person. Instead, it mimimcs the role of brain neurotransmitters. The body then slows, and ultimately ceases, production of the natural neurotransmitter as surplus. Hence the phenomenon of craving that actual alcoholics experience.


A fascinating article, but just the beginning. They need to now see how the substance operates.

So does this mean that I can still try your appletini recipe from one of your previous posts
Apple pucker (green and very sour) with vodka.
Cheers
Gabriele

[quote=Markus]Kevin, assuming that you do not drink really cheap stuff, there should not be acetaldehyde in the alcohol you drink. Acetaldehyde is generated by alcohol dehydrogenase (an enzyme), inside cells. [/quote]
I'll have to go back and re-read the article, I was under the impression that any alcohol would cause the reaction, not just your 20 year old Scotch, hence my query about the alcohol in Mouthwash. Seems that could cause quite a stir in the industry (do I smell more warning labels?)

[quote=Markus]BTW how on earth do you tolerate 50% proof mouthwash???!! [/quote]
Oh hell no... I just managed my first beer 2 weeks ago. But if you look, there are products that hit over 25% alcohol. No wonder it burns ! I am a Biotene user for life now !

Well Kevin,
of all thing, a guinness works ok for the occasional beer, and perhaps a light sangria once in a while.
and to think I used to like good wine.......

M

When I first went to Moffitt and was told I had cancer that was caused by tobacco and alcohol I obviously was upset since I hadn't smoked for 35 years and was a casual drinker. I remember my RO's nurse telling me they called it the "ole fogies" cancer because the typical patient was someone who sat on a barstool all day long smoking and drinking. Needless to say that really pissed me off and my quest to find what caused my cancer started. I also remember asking if my Listerine mouthwash could have caused it and they scoffed at my suggestion and went back to their typical patient description.

Well a lot and I mean a lot has changed in the last 2 years and I hope they continue to try to find how this cancer gets going and maybe a prevention method may evolve other than abstinence assuming that is one.

[quote=Markus]Well Kevin,
of all thing, a guinness works ok for the occasional beer, and perhaps a light sangria once in a while.
and to think I used to like good wine.......

M [/quote]

Sangria isn't a good wine?!?
It used to take me a full week to make a good batch !

KC

[quote=davidcpa] I also remember asking if my Listerine mouthwash could have caused it and they scoffed at my suggestion and went back to their typical patient description. [/quote]

David.. I had the exact same questions. After wading thru my family history, they "think" that mine was cause by genetics, simply because I didn't fit the "ole fogies" profile either. To me it seems this article has probably nailed these types of mouthwashes as a possible.

Kevin

My wife's sangria which she serves tons at the restaurant has won a few awards and I will share some with anyone that makes it to beautiful warm and sunny Gulfport. She makes the traditional Red and White and has added Madras and Champaign to her patron's choices.