The changes of sialic acid concentration and content in apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in the sera of alcoholics.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes associated with alcohol abuse in the structure and metabolism of lipoproteins, in particular, the content of sialic acid (SA).

Methods: The level of SA in apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins was determined by using enzymatic assay followed by the precipitation step in 126 alcohol-dependent men.

Results: Increased level and content of SA in apoB-containing lipoproteins was found not only in the hyperlipidemic alcoholic subjects but also in normolipidemic subjects. The highest value was observed in alcoholics with type IIb of hyperlipidemia followed by type IV, IIa and normolipidemia. The increase of SA level in apoB-containing lipoproteins in type IIb hyperlipidemia is accompanied by an increase of serum apoB concentration. Increased level and content of SA in apoB-containing lipoproteins did not correlate with any markers of alcohol abuse and lipid status.

Conclusions: There are changes in the structure of atherogenic lipoproteins in alcoholics, which consist of increasing SA concentration in apoB-containing lipoproteins. These changes are independent of serum apoB level and may precede the development of hyperlipidemia.