Mechanisms of Alcohol Induced Effects on Cellular Cholesterol Dynamics
Abstract
The focus of this grant is on mechanisms of alcohol induced disruption of cellular cholesterol transport and distribution. Alcohol at concentrations observed in problem drinkers and alcoholics (for example an individual consuming either 6 beers, or 6 one oz shots of whiskey, or 6 glasses of wine) has a profound and multifaceted effect on cellular regulation of cholesterol. Ethanol significantly inhibited cholesterol efflux from human aortic smooth muscle cells to HDL. The Golgi complex that is important in regulation of cholesterol efflux is a target of ethanol as revealed by confocal microscopy. Preliminary data indicate that acute and chronic effects of ethanol on cholesterol efflux from human aortic smooth muscle cells to HDL have opposite effects. LDL-mediated cholesterol uptake is stimulated by ethanol. Alcohol results in more cholesterol being taken into cells and less cholesterol being removed from cells. These findings have several important implications. Cholesterol content in cells of problem drinkers and alcoholics may be elevated as compared to control subjects and such a difference would not be detected by routine clinical assays for cholesterol. Cholesterol is essential for the normal function of cells. Alcohol-induced changes in cell cholesterol content could have profound pathophysiological consequences on cell function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA398121
Entities
People
- W. G. Wood
Organizations
- University of Minnesota