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A chronic ethanol-feeding study in rhesus monkeys.
1U.S. Department of Agriculture, Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Pawlosky@bhnrc.usda.gov
Lipids
|July 27, 1999
Summary
Chronic ethanol consumption in rhesus monkeys reduced key omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the liver and plasma. Alcohol may also increase the production of these essential fatty acids.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Essential fatty acids, including omega-6 (18:2n-6) and omega-3 (18:3n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are vital for physiological functions.
- Chronic alcohol consumption is known to affect lipid metabolism and cellular health.
- Rhesus monkeys serve as a relevant model for studying human metabolic responses to dietary factors and alcohol.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic ethanol intake on the levels of specific long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in rhesus monkeys.
- To assess whether alcohol consumption affects the absorption and endogenous production of essential fatty acids.
- To evaluate the presence of oxidative stress markers in alcohol-exposed subjects.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkeys were fed a controlled diet with specific percentages of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, alongside chronic ethanol administration (mean 2.6 g kg(-1) d(-1)).
- Absorption of deuterated fatty acid esters (2H(5)-18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3) was tracked after oral dosing.
- Levels of specific fatty acids (20:4n-6, 22:6n-3) in liver and plasma lipids, as well as 4-hydroxynonenal concentrations, were measured and compared between alcohol-exposed and control groups.
Main Results:
- Alcohol-fed monkeys exhibited decreased concentrations of 20:4n-6 (arachidonic acid) and 22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid) in liver and plasma lipids compared to controls.
- Ethanol consumption did not impair the absorption of orally administered 2H(5)-18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 esters.
- Increased 2H5 enrichment in plasma 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 suggests alcohol may enhance the endogenous production of these LC-PUFAs.
- Higher concentrations of 4-hydroxynonenal, a marker of lipid peroxidation, were found in the plasma of alcohol-exposed monkeys.
Conclusions:
- Chronic ethanol feeding alters the balance of essential and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in rhesus monkeys.
- While alcohol intake may not hinder essential fatty acid absorption, it potentially stimulates their endogenous synthesis while increasing oxidative stress.
- These findings highlight the complex metabolic effects of chronic alcohol consumption on fatty acid profiles and cellular damage.