THE EFFECT OF MODERATE ALCOHOL INTAKE ON SERUM APOLIPOPROTEIN A-I-CONTAINING LIPOPROTEINS AND LIPOPROTEIN-(A)

Two main types of lipoprotein particles are identified within high-density lipoprotein (HDL): those containing both apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apo A-II (Lp A-I:A-II) and those containing only apo A-I (Lp A-I). To study the effects of prolonged moderate alcohol intake on apo A-I-containing lipoproteins in serum, 60 g/d of ethanol was administered to 10 healthy male volunteers (age, 27 to 45 years) during 3 weeks. The drinking period was preceded and followed by an abstinence period of 3 weeks. The HDL3 cholesterol level increased by 17% (P < .01) and decreased by 22% (P < .001) on and off alcohol, respectively. The HDL2 cholesterol increased by 17% (P = NS) during ethanol intake and decreased by 14% during the following abstention (P < .01). The serum concentration of apo A-I increased by 17% (P < .001) during drinking and came back to the starting level after 2 weeks of abstention. Ethanol intake caused an increase in the serum levels of both Lp A-I and Lp A-I:A-II, the former explaining one third of the total increase of apo A-I. The Lp (a) concentration decreased by 33% (P < .05) during the first week of ethanol intake, but increased back to the starting level until the end of drinking. These data suggest that the increment of the antiatherogenic Lp A-I may be one beneficial effect provided by ethanol with respect to coronary heart disease. © 1991.