Changes in plasma high density lipoproteins and lipolytic enzymes after long-term, heavy ethanol consumption

Abstract

Plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations are often increased in chronic alcoholism. The mechanism for this hyperalphalipoproteinaemia was investigated in seven male chronic alcoholics. Determinations of lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase and lecithin-cholesterol acyl trailsferase activities and of lipid concentrations in plasma and lipoproteins were made immediately after a debauch and during an abstinence period of 10 days. The lipoprotein patterns registered immediately after cessation of ethanol intake were characterized by elevated concentrations of HDL, especially the HDL₂ subclass. Postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activities were also increased. During the observation period HDL levels and lipoprotein lipase activities decreased by about 40%. Concomitantly there was a small but significant increase in the concentrations of plasma and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triacylglycerol, and of plasma and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. The results suggest that an increased lipoprotein lipase activity and an increased VLDL turnover may contribute to the development of elevated HDL concentration in chronic alcoholism.

Key Words:

• chronic alcoholism
• high density lipoprotein
• lipoprotein lipase
• very low density lipoprotein