Additive effect of alcohol and nicotine on lipid metabolism in rats.

Administration of alcohol along with nicotine in rats showed an increase in the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and free fatty acids in serum and various tissues compared to that of alcohol fed rats. The increased cholesterogenesis was evidenced by the increased activity of HMG CoA reductase, increased incorporation of labelled acetate in to cholesterol and decreased hepatic degradation of cholesterol to bile acids. The concentration of cholesterol in HDL lipoprotein fraction decreased, while in LDL + VLDL fraction increased. Administration of nicotine along with alcohol is found to enhance the lipogenic tendency of alcohol in rats.