Ethanol-mediated upregulation of APOA1 gene expression in HepG2 cells is independent of de novo lipid biosynthesis.

Background: Moderate alcohol intake in human increases HDL-cholesterol, and has protective effects against cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although de novo lipid synthesis inhibitors are highly effective in lowering total and LDL-cholesterol they have only modest effects on raising HDL-C. A better understanding of the mechanism of ethanol-mediated HDL-C regulation could suggest new therapeutic approaches for CVD.