Apolipoprotein E in alcoholics.

In 31 alcohol addicted patients entering detoxication treatment and in 14 social drinkers apolipoprotein E (Apo E) was assayed by radial immunodiffusion in the whole serum and after phosphotungstate Mg2+ precipitation. Serum Apo E level in the intoxicated individuals was increased compared with the controls. The Apo E increase was mostly due to the very low and low density (VLDL + LDL) fraction. The Apo E/cholesterol ratio in this fraction was increased. It is possible that increased Apo E concentration in VLDL contributes to their enhanced uptake by the liver.