《中英對照讀新聞》Wine can help treat gum disease 葡萄酒有助治療牙齦疾病

◎ 鄭寺音

Canadian scientists believe the polyphenols can block production of free radical molecules, high levels of which can damage gum tissue.

加拿大科學家認為，（酒裡所含的）多酚可阻擋自由基分子的製造，大量的自由基分子可能傷害牙齦組織。

However, dentists warn there are other risks associated with drinking wine, and people should not think it was good for their teeth.

不過，牙醫警告，喝酒還有其他風險，人們不該因此認為喝酒有益於他們的牙齒。

The Canadian study suggests polyphenols stop free radical production by subtly changing the make-up of proteins within the cells that control their release.

這份加拿大研究顯示，多酚藉著輕微改變細胞內控制自由基釋放的蛋白質構造，阻擋自由基的製造。

Periodontitis destroys gum tissue and is a leading cause of teeth loss, affecting millions worldwide.

牙周病毀壞牙齦組織，也會導致牙齒脫落，影響世界各地數以百萬計的人。

It is thought to be important to keep free radicals at low levels to maintain healthy gums, otherwise they can inflict damage on the tissue.

一般認為，讓自由基保持低量，對維持牙齦健康相當重要，不然它們可能對（牙齦）組織造成傷害。

Previous studies have suggested that the polyphenols in red wine may help to cut inflammation, and possibly the risk of both cancer and heart disease.

過去的研究顯示，紅酒裡的多酚可能有助減少發炎，也可能降低癌症與心臟疾病的風險。

UK experts said polyphenols might prevent the inflammation getting worse - but were doubtful about their ability to block inflammation completely.

英國專家說，多酚可能避免消炎情況惡化，但懷疑它們能否完全遏制消炎。

新聞辭典

block：動詞，妨礙，封鎖。例句︰Many roads were blocked by the police in a big fire. （在一場大火中，警察封鎖了許多道路。）block當名詞時，指塊狀物，（兩條道路之間的）街段、街區。如three blocks away （位在三條街外）。

make-up ：名詞，構成、性情。例句：Do you know the makeup of the atom?（你知道原子的結構嗎？）

inflict ︰施加（打擊、傷害、懲罰等）。例句：Don't inflict your ridiculous ideas on me!（不要硬要我接受你那可笑的想法！）