The effects of alcohol on metabolism of liver Lab Report

The effects of alcohol on metabolism of liver - Lab Report Example The primary metabolic pathway of alcohol in the liver is by oxidation through the alcohol dehydrogenase pathway with the resultant production of acetaldehyde. Redox homeostasis is compromised resulting in metabolic disorders like hyperuricemia, hyperlipemia and a rise in HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) An increase in NADH levels consequent to oxidation promotes fatty acid synthesis with the resultant hepatic fat accumulation. Acetaldehyde produced itself has detrimental effects by decreasing the activity of key enzymes and reducing oxygen utilization in mitochondria (2, 4). Experiments in rats and sub human primates suggest that chronic alcohol exposure to the liver results in an increase in ethanol metabolism involving the alcohol dehydrogenase pathway resulting in increased oxygen uptake (3) and results in a fatty liver despite an adequate nutritional intake exclusively due to the action of alcohol (5, 9). Synthesis of ATP is suppressed due to due to decrease in both mitochondrial as well as glycolytic activities as a result of oxygen deficiency (6). Cirrhosis is a common sequel to chronic alcohol consumption with abundance of fibrous tissue in the liver, whose chief component is collagen indicating a direct effect of alcohol consumption on hepatic collagen metabolism. Increased synthesis of collagen triggered by the oxidation of alcohol in the hepatocytes which results in elevated lactate concentration which enhances the activity of collagen proline hydroxylase enzyme. (7). Experimental and clinical studies over the last four decades have indicated the alcohol induced oxidative stress and the direct effects of acetaldehyde as the main culprits for liver disease (4). Strategies to counter them have been experimentally proven to reduce liver damage. 1. Addolorato G., Capristoi E.,Greco A.V., Stefanini G.F.& Gasbarrini G., Inï ¬â€šuence of chronic alcohol abuse on body weight and energy metabolism: is excess ethanol consumption a risk factor for obesity