Changes in microsomal activity in alcoholism and obesity

Liver damage is more prevalent among obese alcoholics, and cytochrome P-4502E1(CYP2E1) induction is involved in its pathogenesis.

The study was undertaken to assess microsomal function, in alcoholic and nonalcoholic male subjects with different body compositions, through pharmacokinetics of chlorzoxazone (CLZ). We also intended to study the relationship between CLZ hydroxylation and urinary levels of 8-hydroxydiguanosine, and between CLZ levels and liver histology.

Serial measurements of CLZ serum concentration, after a 750 mg dose, were performed in 17 alcoholics (9 normal weight and 8 obese) and 21 nonalcoholic subjects (10 normal weight and 11 obese). Concentration of 6-hydroxy-chlorzoxazone (6-OH-CLZ) was determined at the second hour. Anthropometry, clinical laboratory tests, and urinary 8-hydroxydiguanosine concentrations were measured. Liver biopsies were performed in alcoholics.

Five biopsies revealed severe lesions, one in normal-weight and four in obese patients (p = NS). Area under the curve (AUC) of CLZ was higher in normal-weight controls compared with the rest of the groups (ANOVA p = 0.001). This parameter correlated negatively with adiposity in nonalcoholic subjects and did not correlate with liver histology. 6-OH-CLZ/CLZ ratio was lower in normal-weight controls, compared with obese subjects and normal-weight alcoholics (p = 0.02). Both alcoholism and obesity were included as predictors of CLZ AUC in a multiple regression analysis. The two-factor ANOVA showed an additive effect of centripetal body fat distribution and alcoholism. Urinary 8-hydroxydiguanosine levels were extremely variable.

Centripetal adiposity and alcoholism are associated with induction of CYP2E1. This may explain the higher prevalence of liver damage among obese alcoholics and also nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.