Flavio Poldrugo

1,4 Butanediol and ethanol compete for degradation in rat brain and liver in vitro

We examined the enzymatic reaction responsible for the conversion of 1,4 butanediol to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and the interaction of ethanol with this conversion in brain and liver. The enzyme responsible for this reaction in liver appears to be alcohol dehydrogenase. However, in both tissues, there was a competitive inhibition by ethanol of the conversion of 1,4 butanediol to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid with an apparent Ki of 6.5 X 10(-3) M in brain and 2.7 X 10(-3) M in liver. These findings may explain the potentiation of the behavioral effects of ethanol by 1,4 butanediol.

Alcohol and Casualties in the Emergency Room: A Us-Italy Comparison of Weekdays and Weekend Evenings

This paper examines similarities and differences in associations of alcohol and casualties with time of arrival in the emergency room (weekdays vs weekend evenings) in probability samples of patients from two cultures where typical patterns of alcohol use vary greatly-Trieste, Italy (N=475) and Contra Costa County, California (USA) (N=l 482). In Contra Costa, but not in Trieste, those sampled on weekend evenings were more likely to have positive breathalyzer readings and to report drinking prior to the event than those sampled on weekdays. Rates for both positive breathalyzer readings and self-reported drinking prior to the event were lower in Contra Costa than in Trieste. These and other findings reported here point to differences in the relationship of alcohol and casualties in a culture where alcohol consumption is a routine part of lifes daily activities as compared to the U.S. pattern of drinking primarily during leisure times.Presented at the Alcohol Epidemiology Symposium, sponsored by the Kettil ...

Integration of pharmacotherapies in the existing programs for the treatment of alcoholics: An international perspective

This review examines current therapies of alcoholism and addresses the difficulties encountered in evaluating the result of integrating pharmaco- and psychosocial treatment of alcoholics. A variety of treatment modalities and goals, and factors influencing admission of alcoholics, exist in different countries creating problems of comparability. Recognition of alcoholism as a separate entity from associated psychiatric co-morbidity coupled with the introduction of specific pharmacotherapies represent a major advance in the treatment of alcoholism. Combining psychosocial and pharmacological treatments appears to be the most effective approach in the treatment of alcoholics. In the future, rational therapy with appropriate choice of treatment strategies will decrease the necessity for hospital treatment of alcoholic patients.

Alpe Adria Report 2010 – Conclusions and Recommendations for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence

At the ninth Alpe Adria convention, which took place between the 27 and 29th of May 2010 in Villach/Austria, experts from different European countries (namely Italy, Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria) discussed the epidemiology, available treatment concepts, and research methods used in alcohol-dependent patients in their countries. Representatives of five of the participating countries decided to present recommendations and treatment approaches in alcohol-dependent patients, agreeing to avoid the establishment of general guidelines.