Mechanisms of Alcohol Induced Effects on Cellular Cholesterol Dynamics
Abstract
An overriding conclusion of the work of the past 2 years on this project is that ethanol at concentrations observed in problem drinkers and alcoholics (e.g., an individual consuming either 6 beers, or 6 one shots of whiskey, or 6 glasses of wine) has a multifaceted effect on cellular regulation of cholesterol. We show that several of the systems involved in regulating cholesterol transport are perturbed by ethanol (HDL, apoA- I, LDL, PC-PLC, PC-PLD). The Golgi complex plays an important role in protein and lipid trafficking and we show that it is a target of ethanol. We are now able to measure the distribution of cholesterol in different Golgi regions and this method will be used to elucidate effects of ethanol on Golgi complex function. 25 mM ethanol was just as effective in stimulation of PC-PLD activity and LDL uptake as were higher ethanol concentrations. However, 25 mM ethanol had less of an effect on HDL or apoA-I mediated cholesterol efflux than higher ethanol concentrations. These results raise the question as to whether ethanol concentrations lower than 25 mM would have a similar or greater effect on PC-PLD activity and LDL uptake and would such effects be protective of cell function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA412767
Entities
People
- W. G. Wood
Organizations
- University of Minnesota