Distinct increase of plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein 2 and post-heparin lipolytic activity by constant moderate alcohol intake
Breier, C.; Lisch, H.J.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 114(51): 1930-1932
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7672 PMID: 6523107 Document Number: 230582
In a 69-year-old man with familial hypercholesterolemia, markedly increased plasma concentrations of high-density HDL2 lipoprotein (HDL2) were found. The patient showed no signs of atherosclerotic macro- nor microangiopathy. As a possible reason for the increase of HDL2 a daily intake of 3/8 litre red wine was assumed. On three days (day 1, day 21, day 42) the influence of alcohol on the major lipoprotein density classes (i.e. very low-density lipoproteins [VLDL], intermediate-density lipoproteins [IDL], low-density lipoproteins [LDL], HDL2 and HDL3, all by means of rate zonal ultracentrifugation) and on postheparin lipolytic activity (PHLA) was investigated. At day 1 the patient was under the influence of the usual daily alcohol intake. From day 1 till day 21 patient drank no alcoholic beverages. From day 21 till day 42 the patient returned to his daily intake of 3/8 litre red wine. During the sober phase the plasma concentration of HDL2 decreased to approximately one quarter of the plasma concentration at day 1. Additionally, PHLA decreased markedly. During the daily alcohol consumption till day 42, the plasma concentration of HDL2 again rose approximately to the value of day 1 and PHLA distinctly increased. It is concluded that moderate alcohol consumption may increase the plasma concentration of the antiatherogenic HDL2 in some patients. This patient with familial hypercholesterolemia appears to be protected from premature atherosclerotic complications by his pronounced increase in plasma concentration of HDL2.