OPPOSITE EFFECTS OF DIETARY SATURATED AND UNSATURATED FATTY-ACIDS ON ETHANOL-PHARMACOKINETICS, TRIGLYCERIDES AND CARNITINES

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) diets on ethanol pharmacokinetics. Hepatic ADH and plasma carnitines were also evaluated as possible indicators of the mechanism involved. Methods: S prague-Dawley male rats were fed modified AIN(76) diets containing 10% coconut oil (SFA) or corn oil (UFA) for 120 days. A single dose (3 g/ kg bw) of ethanol (13% solution) was orally administered using a gastr ic canula on day 30, 90, 105 and 120. Tail vein blood samples were col lected at various intervals following ethanol dose and were analyzed f or blood-ethanol concentration (BEC). In an analogous trial rats were given these diets for 70 days and blood samples were collected on day 35 and 63 for triglycerides, cholesterol and carnitine determination. The animals were killed on day 70 to collect liver for ADH determinati on. Results: Compared to the UFA group, the SFA group exhibited signif icantly higher BEC, larger area under the curve, longer half-life of e thanol, and lower rates of ethanol elimination. Plasma carnitines were also higher in the SFA vs UFA group. However, hepatic ADH activity wa s not different between the groups. Conclusion: Dietary SFA protects l iver from alcohol injury by retarding ethanol metabolism, and carnitin e may be involved.