Ethanol and liver protein synthesis in vivo

Effect of ethanol on hepatic secretory proteins

Both acute and chronic ethanol administration inhibit the secretion of albumin and glycoproteins from the liver. Impairment of posttranslational steps of the secretory process are mainly involved in this secretory defect, although in some instances altered synthesis of the protein moiety may be a factor. Decreased secretion following ethanol administration results in the intrahepatic retention of export proteins. The secretory defect is a consequence of the metabolism of ethanol and is likely mediated via acetaldehyde, although more conclusive proof is still required. The manner by which acetaldehyde impairs the secretory process is unknown, but may be related to its high reactivity with hepatocellular proteins. The specific posttranslational steps or processes involved in the secretory defect are still unclear; however, it appears that the final steps of secretion (post-Golgi events) may be the primary site of impairment. Impaired secretion of proteins from the liver could contribute to altered levels of plasma proteins and hepatomegaly as well as to the liver injury observed in the alcoholic.

Inhibition of protein degradation in regenerating rat liver by ethanol treatment

The effect of ethanol on the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD), as well as on protein concentration, was studied in regenerating rat liver after partial hepatectomy. It was found that administration of an ethanol-containing liquid diet for 5 days after partial hepatectomy caused a significant accumulation of proteins in the liver. The activities of ODC and TAT were stimulated by ethanol treatment in the beginning of the regeneration. In control livers, partial hepatectomy decreased the activity of ALAT, but ethanol prevented this decrease. No differences in the activity of LD was found between ethanol and control groups after partial hepatectomy. When the half-lives of ODC and TAT were measured 24 hr after partial hepatectomy by using cycloheximide, it appeared that ethanol caused a significant stabilization of both enzymes. It is concluded that ethanol caused inhibition of degradation of ODC and TAT and it is suggested that this could be a general phenomenon, and could markedly contribute to the pathological accumulation of proteins in the liver after chronic ethanol consumption.