Long-Term Alcohol Consumption Caused a Significant Decrease in Serum High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)-Cholesterol and...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Lipid Metabolism
• Alcohol Consumption Effects

Background:

• Light-to-moderate alcohol intake is paradoxically linked to reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, often attributed to increased high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C).
• However, the long-term impact of alcohol on the quality and functionality of HDL particles remains poorly understood, especially differentiating between mild and binge drinking patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term effects of different alcohol consumption patterns (non-drinkers, mild-drinkers, binge-drinkers) on lipid and lipoprotein profiles in middle-aged Korean women.
• To analyze changes in HDL particle characteristics, including cholesterol and triglyceride content, and assess HDL functionality markers like paraoxonase activity and glycation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles (HDL-C, apoA-I, triglycerides, LDL, MDA) in middle-aged Korean women with over 10 years of consistent drinking habits.
• Utilized transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize LDL and HDL particle morphology and size.
• Performed electrophoresis to assess LDL and HDL particle mobility and aggregation, alongside measurements of HDL paraoxonase activity and glycation extent.

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) were observed with increasing alcohol consumption; binge drinkers showed 18% lower HDL-C and 13% lower apoA-I than non-drinkers.
• Elevated triglyceride (TG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, along with altered low-density lipoprotein (LDL) profiles, were noted in alcohol consumers.
• Binge drinkers exhibited higher cholesterol in HDL2 and triglycerides in HDL3. HDL from drinkers showed reduced paraoxonase activity, increased glycation, and impaired particle integrity compared to non-drinkers.

Conclusions:

• Long-term alcohol consumption, even at mild levels, negatively impacts cardiovascular health markers in middle-aged women by reducing HDL-C and apoA-I.
• Alcohol intake, particularly binge drinking, leads to detrimental changes in HDL and LDL particle composition and functionality, increasing atherogenic risk.
• The study findings challenge the notion of a cardioprotective effect of alcohol, highlighting potential harm to HDL quality and function with sustained consumption.