Effect of Ethanol and Dietary-Protein Concentration On Whole-Body Protein-Synthesis Rates in Rats

Abstract

The effect of ethanol intake in whole body protein synthesis in rats fed diets low in protein concentration (4% of calories) or nutritionally adequate (13% of calories) was studied. Protein synthesis was decreased significantly by alcohol intake in rats fed the low protein diet or the nutritionally adequate diet when compared with appropriate controls. The inclusion of ethanol in the diet decreased plasma nitrogen flux and the proportion of flux nitrogen recycled for protein synthesis. The proportion of flux nitrogen arising from dietary nitrogen was increased, although dietary nitrogen intake was similar, indicating a decrease in protein catabolism when alcohol is included in the diet