Abstinence-induced changes in plasma apolipoprotein levels of alcoholics.

Plasma lipids, including total cholesterol, plasma triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and several apolipoproteins were measured in eight otherwise healthy male alcoholics at the beginning and during a 4-week inpatient abstinence treatment program. The initial triglyceride and apolipoprotein A-11 levels were higher and apolipoprotein B was lower in alcoholics than in 12 nondrinking control subjects. During the alcohol abstinence there was a parallel fall in the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoproteins A-I and A-II and a rise in apolipoprotein B. The changes in apolipoproteins C-III and E were less consistent. These findings suggest that, even in otherwise healthy alcoholics, elevated levels of apolipoproteins A-I and A-II on admission are ameliorated during abstinence of several weeks.