Effects of ethanol on lipids and atherosclerosis

Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with an increase in plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration and a decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration. Changes in the concentration and composition of lipoproteins are estimated to account for more than half of alcohol’s protective effect for coronary heart disease. Alcohol intake also affects plasma proteins involved in lipoprotein metabolism: cholesteryl ester transfer protein, phospholipid transfer protein, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, and phospholipases. In addition, alcohol intake may result in acetaldehyde modification of apolipoproteins. Furthermore, “abnormal” lipids, phosphatidylethanol and fatty acid ethyl esters are formed in the presence of ethanol and are associated with lipoproteins in plasma. Ethanol and ethanol-induced modifications of lipids may modulate the effects of lipoproteins on the cells in the arterial wall. The molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are complex, requiring further study to better understand the specific effects of ethanol in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This review discusses the effects of ethanol on lipoproteins and lipoprotein metabolism, as well as the novel effects of lipoproteins on vascular wall cells.