Red Wine may help against Nuclear Toxins Posted: Monday, 14 March 2011 11:44 Red Wine may help against Nuclear Toxins It may sound frivolous to advise the unfortunate Japanese currently facing the trauma of possible radio active nuclear radiation, to drink red wine to neutralize the toxic effects but this was the refrain after the Chernobyl disaster and a study in 2008 by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine indicative of a scientific basis of the advisory gains more relevance. After the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of Ukraine in April, 1986 people were advised to drink red wine or vodka to neutralize the radio-active toxic effects though there was no scientific reasoning. Time magazine had reported in an article on June 2, 1986 that ‘one tale making the rounds, according to the weekly Literaturnaya Gazeta, was that vodka and red wine could cure the effects of radiation exposure. First Deputy Health Minister Oleg Shchepin called that boozy prescription dangerous nonsense.’ However, this was the popular advice and many Ukrainians reportedly believed that red wine really helped. The study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 2008 concluded that Resveratrol, the natural antioxidant commonly found in red wine and many plants, might offer protection against radiation exposure. When altered with acetyl, resveratrol administered before radiation exposure proved to protect cells from radiation in mice. The study, led by Joel Greenberger, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, was overseen by Pitt's Center for Medical Countermeasures Against Radiation. The center is dedicated to identifying and developing small molecule radiation protectors and mitigators that easily can be accessed and administered in the event of a large-scale radiological or nuclear emergency. "Currently there are no drugs on the market that protect against or counteract radiation exposure," he added. "Our goal is to develop treatments for the general population that are effective and non-toxic." Dr. Greenberger and his team are conducting further studies to determine whether acetylated resveratrol eventually can be translated into clinical use as a radio-protective agent. In 2004, this same team of researchers identified a drug that can be delivered directly to the mitochondria, the energy producing areas of cells. When this occurs, the drug assists the mitochondria in combating radiation-induced cell death. The study reported by Science Daily on September 24, 2008 becomes more relevant today and perhaps calls for more to be carried out soon. In the meanwhile, it may not hurt to follow the advice of the Ukrainians who suffered the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 to have a couple of glasses of red wine a day. Comments: Johne363 Says: Thanks so much for the article. Much thanks again. Great. ddkddkdkeada Subhash Arora Says: Well said, Bahman. But I can understand Greg's anguish. Perhaps, he misinterpreted the article and the gist. He is also perhaps too young to realize that the after effects of Hiroshima and Nagasaki lasted for decades after the tragedy. Our hearts go to our Japanese brethern. But as I said and as you are endorsing, a couple of glasses of red wine a day cannot hurt anyone and if some one says it does-he is simply ignorant (based on several studies I have come across!), prejudiced or a victim of social mores or religious diktat which should be respected as well. Subhash Arora Bahman Marzbani Says: We all know that Resveratrol is an anti-oxidan, which normally are good for a person's well-being. So, irrespective of what Greg says, it can do no harm, if not any good, as Greg suggests. Greg, as they say, Faith or Hope can move mountains"...so, if someone has faith or hope in recovering from any situation, they will cling to that straw, and will survive if the person has great faith and a strong will enough will. The worst case scenario is that he will enjoy his resveratrol enhanced wine and relax.You statement does not call for a "WTF?!". Maybe you should start drinking red wines in moderation. It just might help you. James Says: Wine alone does not contain therapeutic amounts of resveratrol. One must use a quality approved supplement for this purpose. The one used in most human clinical trials is biotivia bioforte. It has been shown to also improve cerebral function, and have chemo-protective effects agains the conditions associated with human aging. Subhash Arora Says: Please believe me when I say that we feel devastated by the mishap and our total sympathies are with our Japanese brethern. But let me emphasise that we are not involved in any commercial wine activity, whatsoever. The article is a factual reporting of a research already conducted and the mention of a the then common advice-though without any scientific evidence, after the Chernobyl disaster. I also researched and mentioned an article of 1986 which debunked the theory due to lack of scientific basis. It was our intent and hope to catalyse someone in the world of research to take up more scientific study in this area. In any case, taking the two red wine glasses a day won't hurt anyone. The effect of nuclear radiation, unfortunately lasts for decades and goes way beyond what we are seeing today, as you may know from history. I am truly sorry it has hurt your sensibility. However, we do not remove any articles from our website but your comment and criticism is well meant and accepted graciously and published unedited. Subhash Arora Greg Floyd Says: This article is offensive and it's author has no rational foothold in reality, much less scientific evidence to back his claims. Please remove this article from your site as it is an obvious attempt to try and sell wine by exploiting a disaster. "Dying of nuclear radiation? Drink red wine." WTF?! Print This Article Email This Article Share Want to Comment ?

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