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Effect of heavy weekend drinking on urinary dolichol levels
R P Roine1, R Ylikahri, P Koskinen
1Research Unit of Alcohol Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.)
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Heavy alcohol consumption significantly increases urinary dolichol levels. This study found that drinking for over a day more than doubled dolichol levels in urine samples.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Dolichols are isoprenoid alcohols involved in glycoprotein synthesis.
- Urinary dolichol levels may serve as a biomarker for certain physiological changes.
- The impact of acute heavy alcohol consumption on dolichol metabolism is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acute heavy alcohol consumption on urinary dolichol levels in healthy volunteers.
- To determine if prolonged alcohol intake influences dolichol excretion.
Main Methods:
- 10 healthy volunteers participated in a controlled study over two separate weekends.
- Subjects consumed a standardized dose of alcohol (5.5 g/kg body weight) over 48 hours during one weekend.
- A control weekend with no alcohol consumption was conducted for comparison.
Main Results:
- Urinary dolichol levels significantly increased on the second day of alcohol consumption.
- By 42 hours, dolichol levels more than doubled compared to baseline values.
- No significant increase in urinary dolichol was observed during the control weekend.
Conclusions:
- Acute heavy alcohol consumption, particularly when sustained for more than one day, can elevate urinary dolichol levels.
- Urinary dolichol may be a sensitive indicator of the physiological impact of heavy alcohol intake.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and implications of alcohol-induced changes in dolichol metabolism.