Eur J Clin Nutr. 1997 Jun;51(6):362-5.

Association of alcohol consumption with HDL subpopulations defined by apolipoprotein A-I and apolipoprotein A-II content.

Branchi A, Rovellini A, Tomella C, Sciariada L, Torri A, Molgora M, Sommariva D.

Source

Institute of Internal Medicine and Medical Physiopathology IRCCS Maggiore Hospital, University of Milan, Italy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the relationship between alcohol intake and serum level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions defined on the basis of their apolipoprotein A-I and A-II content (LpA-I and LpA-I: A-II).

DESIGN:

Observational study.

SETTING:

Institute of Internal Medicine and Medical Physiopathology, IRCCS Maggiore Hospital, University of Milan.

SUBJECTS:

One hundred healthy males with a mean age of 42 +/- 11.1 y, selected among blood donors.

RESULTS:

Both LpA-I and LpA-I:A-II were significantly higher in men drinking more than 30 g a day of alcohol than in non-drinkers (LpA-I: difference between means 6.5 mg/dL, 95% C.I. 1.14-11.9; LpA-I:A-II difference between means 11.5 mg/dL, 95% C.I. 0.52-22.5). The association of alcohol consumption with LpA-I and LpA-I:A-II levels was independent from age, body mass index, physical activity, serum triglycerides and diet composition.

CONCLUSIONS:

Alcohol consumption is associated with an increase of serum levels of both LpA-I and LpA-I:A-II particles and this may, at least in part, explain the reduced cardiovascular morbidity observed in subjects drinking moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages.

SPONSORSHIP:

Supported by grants from Ricerca Corrente Ospedale Maggiore di Milano IRCCS, Milan Italy.