Eicosanoid production in experimental alcoholic liver disease is related to vitamin E levels and lipid peroxidation

We investigated the association between vitamin E, lipid peroxidation and eicosanoid production in experimental alcoholic liver injury. We used the intragastric feeding rat model in which animals were fed corn oil and ethanol (CO+E) and corn oil and dextrose (CO+D) for 2 and 4 week periods. At sacrifice, we measured plasma levels of alpha-tocopherol, 8-isoprostane, thromboxane B2(TXB2) and 6-ketoprostaglandin F1α(6-KetoPGF1α). Animals fed CO+E had significantly lower concentrations of α-tocopherol and higher concentrations of 8 isoprostane at both 2 and 4 weeks. a significant inverse correlation was seen between α-tocopherol concentrations and the TXB2: PGF1α ratio (r=0.72, p<0.01). A positive correlation was seen between the TXB2: PGF1α ratio and 8 isoprostane levels (r=0.84, p<0.001). These results suggest that vitamin E depletion and enhanced lipid peroxidation may affect eicosanoid metabolism in experimental alcoholic liver disease in such a way so as to increase the thromboxane to prostacyclin ration.