Abstract
Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate whether liver carnitine levels in alcoholics were higher than in controls, to investigate whether liver carnitine levels were affected by a short period of abstinence from alcohol and whether any relationship existed between liver carnitine content and the degree of liver fat deposition. Design: Liver biopsy and blood samples were obtained from 17 'heavy drinkers' (14 men and three women) without overt liver disease on admission to hospital and after 9–11 days of abstinence. Thirteen men undergoing elective gallbladder extirpation served as controls. Methods: Liver carnitine levels were determined and expressed per gram non-collagen protein (NCP). The volume density of fat in hepatocytes was estimated by a morphometric point counting technique. Results: The mean liver carnitine content in the alcoholics was the same as that in the controls [5.5±1.1 (mean±5D)μmol/g NCP] on admission (5.7±1.5) but differed after a period of abstinence (6.6 ±1.4, P < 0.02). The carnitine content increased significantly during abstinence (P < 0.05). The volume density of fat decreased from 18 to 8%. No relationship was found between the carnitine levels and the degree of fat deposition. Conclusions: On admission, the liver carnitine content was the same as in the controls. Liver carnitine content increased after 9–11 days of abstinence. This may have been due to an increased demand for carnitine induced by the excessive metabolism of alcohol and or fat.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call