Effect of alcohol intake on human apolipoprotein A-1-containing lipoprotein subfractions

Article Abstract:

Many clinical studies have evaluated the significance of particular concentrations of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in the blood. An association has been demonstrated between increased high-density lipoproteins and a reduced incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Alcohol intake may affect blood HDL levels and a positive association has been noted. This correlation suggests that moderate alcohol intake may be protective against coronary artery disease, as high levels of HDL are considered beneficial. Levels of the apolipoproteins A-1 and A-II (LpA-I and LpA-II) were studied in normal male patients divided into groups according to the amount of alcohol consumed weekly. Apolipoproteins are the nonlipid components of the fat-carrying lipoproteins. Between the groups, there were no significant differences in total blood cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or apo-B. Only HDL cholesterol and apo A-II levels were significantly different between the groups ingesting a variety of alcohol amounts were compared: between those consuming less than or equal to 200 grams of alcohol per week and those consuming greater than 800 grams per week, HDL in the latter was 37.6 percent higher, and A-II was 21.6 percent higher. Alcohol was thus seen to increase the HDL, consistent with the results of other studies. However, A-I levels actually fell slightly with increased alcohol. The investigators believe that since it is probable that it is the A-I apolipoprotein that has the beneficial effect of reducing fatty plaques in the blood vessels, it seems unlikely that alcohol consumption would have any antiatherogenic effect. The protective ability of alcohol consumption previously described should be reconsidered. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Alcohol, Ethanol, Blood lipids, High density lipoproteins

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Postheparin lipolytic activity and plasma lipoprotein response to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with primary hypertriglyceridemia

Article Abstract:

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have a hypotriglyceridemic effect, that is, the ability to decrease blood levels of triglycerides (fats). The hypotriglyceridemic effect is accomplished by decreasing the production of triglycerides by the liver and the release of lipoproteins that contain triglycerides, such as the very-low-density-lipoproteins (VLDLs). Omega-3 fatty acids were also shown to increase the breakdown of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, possibly by enhancing the activity of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down lipoproteins. It remains unclear which lipase, either the peripheral lipoprotein lipase (LPL) or hepatic lipase (HL) from the liver, is responsible. Blood lipoprotein levels and activities of LPL and HL after treatment with heparin (which breaks down blood clots) were assessed in 12 patients with hypertriglyceridemia, or abnormally high blood triglyceride levels. The measurements were made before and during the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to the diet for four weeks. Omega-3 fatty acids decreased triglycerides by 53 percent and VLDL levels by 61 percent, and increased low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 26 percent. HL and LPL activities were not changed. These findings show that omega-3 fatty acids decrease triglyceride levels and increase LDL-cholesterol in patients with hypertriglyceridemia without enhancing HL and LPL activities. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diet therapy, Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega 3 fatty acids, Fish oils, Hyperlipoproteinemia

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Role of apolipoprotein levels in clinical practice

Article Abstract:

Tremendous advances have been made in our understanding of the role of lipoproteins in the transport of lipids (fats) through the blood. Blood lipoproteins play an important role in atherogenesis (the development of fatty plaques along blood vessel walls) and it is therefore logical to ask about their possible role in predicting coronary artery disease (CAD). The two apolipoproteins (the nonlipid portion of lipoproteins) that have received the most attention are apolipoproteins (apo) A-1 and B. Apo B is a major component of both very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Apo A-1, which is the major component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), may be important in the mobilization of cholesterol away from the arterial wall. In an article in the August 1990 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine the potential predictive value of these apolipoproteins is studied and evaluated. Further research is needed in this important area, yet clinicians should not solely use these measurements in the treatment of patients when making decisions regarding drug therapy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Cholesterol, editorial

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