Lipid carrier proteins and ethanol

Ethanol has a pronounced effect on lipid homeostasis, It is our overall hyp othesis that certain lipid carrier proteins are targets of acute and chroni c ethanol exposure and that perturbation of these proteins induces lipid dy sfunction leading to cellular pathophysiology, These proteins include both intracellular proteins and lipoproteins. This paper examines recent data on the interaction of ethanol with these proteins. In addition, new data are presented on the stimulatory effects of ethanol on low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-mediated cholesterol uptake into fibroblasts and direct perturbation of the LDL apolipoprotein, apolipoprotein B. A cell model is presented that outlines potential mechanisms thought to be involved in ethanol perturbati on of cholesterol transport and distribution. Copyright (C) 2001 National S cience Council. ROC and S. Karger AG. Basel.