Plasma levels of apolipoproteins A-I, A-II and B in alcoholism. Relation to the degree of histological liver damage, and to liver function tests.

In 101 alcoholic patients, plasma apolipoproteins A-I, A-II and B, and lipids were studied in relation to liver function tests, albumin and bilirubin. As compared with controls, the entire population revealed a slight increase in triglycerides, transaminases and bilirubin, and a marked increase in gamma glutamyl transferase. The population was divided into 3 groups according to histological liver microscopy: no lesion, steatosis and cirrhosis. In group 1, apo A-I, A-II and HDL-C were significantly increased. In steatosis, apo A-I, apo A-II and HDL-C had almost normal levels. In cirrhosis, the 3 parameters were significantly decreased, but the apo A-I/apo A-II ratio was increased in relation to the predominant decrease in apo A-II. Liver enzymes were not discriminative, not even gamma GT, which was increased in all 3 groups. Apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were insensitive to the degree of hepatic involvement, but a low apo A-I/B ratio might be indicative of a cardiovascular risk. It is suggested that apoproteins and their ratios be used as new markers for the degree of alcoholic intoxication and the risk of cardiovascular complications.