Variations in HDL and VLDL levels chronic alcoholics. Influence of the degree of liver damage and of withdrawal of alcohol.

Changes in plasma HDL and VLDL levels were investigated in 284 chronic alcoholics staying in a Detoxification Centre where they initiated or continued abstinence. The data show that the variations in plasma HDL are modulated by the degree of liver injury. In severe hepatic damage HDL levels are sharply decreased. An alcohol-induced rise in HDL can occur in the only subjects with no signs of hepatic insufficiency. This elevation is rapidly reversible after withdrawal of alcohol. Such a rise might reflect enhanced synthesis and release by liver but might also be due to an accelerated turnover of the VLDL.