Alcohol misuse increases serum antibodies to oxidized LDL and C-reactive protein.

Aims: To clarify the relationship of alcohol consumption with serum antibodies to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and the inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP).

Methods: The study population consisted of 280 men with evidence of alcohol misuse by having self-reported alcohol consumption values over 280 g absolute ethanol per week and 250 age-matched moderate drinkers from a population of Finnish men participating in the FINRISK survey study. Serum samples were analysed for antibodies to oxLDL, C-reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The characteristics of the top and bottom half of the alcohol misusers, in regard to weekly alcohol consumption, were compared with the controls.

Results: Serum antibody titres to oxLDL were higher in the top half and the levels of CRP, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, GGT and CDT were elevated in both the top half and the bottom half of the alcohol misusers, compared to controls.

Conclusion: We propose that alcohol misuse may result in increased inflammation leading to oxidation of LDL.