Blocking of alcohol-induced effects on synthesis and secretion of apo B containing lipoproteins by substituting sardine oil in the diet.

The effect of substitution of fish oil in the diet on the alcohol-induced changes in the metabolism of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) by primary cultures of rat hepatocytes has been studied. Rats fed groundnut oil diet or sardine oil diet were given alcohol (3 g/kg) for 4 weeks. Substitution of fish oil for groundnut oil in the diet blocked the hypertriglyceridemia and hyperlipoproteinemia caused by alcohol. Enhanced incorporation of [3H]leucine into apo B secreted into the medium and [14C]acetate into lipids associated with secreted VLDL indicated an increased rate of synthesis of apo B containing lipoproteins by hepatocytes from livers of rats receiving alcohol. Fish oil in the diet reduced incorporation of [3H]leucine into apo B and that of [14C]acetate into lipids indicating a lower rate of synthesis of apo B containing lipoproteins. Pulse chase experiments confirmed the above observation. Thus it is suggested that fish oil in the diet prevents hyperlipoproteinemia caused by alcohol possibly by reducing the synthesis and secretion of VLDL by liver.