Effects of Moderate Ethanol Consumption on Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation Through Regulation of Gene Expression in Rats.

Aims: Epidemiological studies and experimental data from rodent models have reported a non-linear relationship between consumption of alcohol and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk that suggests that light-to-moderate drinking as opposed to excessive consumption may provide some cardiovascular benefits. The present study examined potential mechanisms by which moderate alcohol consumption may provide a protective effect against CVD.

Short Summary: Wistar rats exposed for 3 months to a 20% ethanol intermittent-access voluntary drinking paradigm displayed a reduction in epididymal fat, blood glucose and non-HDL and total cholesterol.