High-density lipoproteins and hepatic microsomal enzyme induction in alcohol consumers

Plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and major apolipoproteins, A-I (A-I) and A-II (A-II), and indices of hepatic microsomal function, liver cytochrome P-450 (P-450) and plasma antipyrine clearance rate (AP-CL), in eight alcohol consumers and eight non-drinkers were compared. Alcohol consumers had increased P-450 and AP-CL showing an induction of hepatic microsomal function, and elevated HDL-C, A-I and A-II as compared with values in non-drinkers. Liver cytochrome P-450 concentrations were directly proportional to plasma HDL-C (r = 0.732, p less than 0.01) and A-I (r = 0.564, p less than 0.05) levels. These data suggest that alcohol by inducing liver microsomal function increases plasma HDL and thus favorably alters one of the risk factors of coronary heart disease.