EFFECTS OF ETHANOL ON PLASMA LIPIDS IN MAN.

Abstract

Abstract To determine its effect on plasma lipids in man, ethanol was given to 6 patients for periods of from 6 to 8 hours, and changes in plasma lipids were measured. A progressive rise in plasma triglyceride concentration and an associated fall in the free fatty acid (FFA) concentration occurred. Phospholipid, cholesterol, and cholesterol ester concentrations did not change. Control tests during fasting demonstrated a slight, nonsignificant rise in triglyceride concentration and a rise in FFA concentration, with no change in the other lipid fractions. Glucose, given isocalorically to the ethanol, resulted in no change in plasma triglyceride concentration and a fall in FFA concentration. Two mechanisms that have been suggested to explain the development of alcoholic fatty liver probably can be excluded under these experimental conditions in man. These are decreased release of triglycerides from the liver and increased mobilization of fatty acids from peripheral adipose tissue. Ethanol administration for 8 days to 1 patient who had recovered from alcoholic hyperlipemia was accompanied by a rise in serum triglyceride concentration of 340 per cent and in phospholipid concentration of 90 per cent, effects which were not due to dietary change or change in liver function. Thus, in this patient, ethanol is implicated as a direct agent in the production of alcoholic hyperlipemia.