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Alcohol: high density lipoproteins, apolipoproteins
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|March 1, 1986
Summary
Alcohol abuse elevates high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and its components, which normalize within two weeks of abstinence. However, some HDL components, like apolipoprotein CIII, remain elevated longer, suggesting complex effects of alcohol on lipid metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Lipid Metabolism
- Alcohol Research
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is associated with altered plasma lipid profiles.
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL) play a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport.
- The specific impact of alcohol abuse on various HDL components requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of alcohol abuse on plasma lipids, particularly HDL components.
- To examine the changes in HDL components during early abstinence from alcohol.
Main Methods:
- Study included 26 healthy male alcohol abusers and age/gender-matched controls.
- Plasma lipid profiles, including HDL-cholesterol, apolipoproteins (Apo AI, AII, CIII), were measured.
- Measurements were taken upon admission to abstinence treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of sobriety.
Main Results:
- Alcohol abusers initially presented with normal total cholesterol and triglycerides but elevated HDL-cholesterol, Apo AI, and Apo AII.
- HDL-cholesterol, Apo AI, and Apo AII levels normalized within two weeks of abstinence.
- Apolipoprotein CIII remained elevated even after four weeks of sobriety, indicating differential recovery rates.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol abuse significantly affects multiple components of HDL, altering lipid profiles.
- These alcohol-induced HDL changes normalize at different rates during abstinence.
- The role of specific HDL components in any potential cardioprotective effects of alcohol warrants further investigation.