The experiment demonstrated that acetaldehyde does not directly inhibit glutathione peroxidase, ebselen involved enzymes, or glutathione reductase. It is believed that the cell's cytosol constituents must play a role in the harmful mechanism initiated by acetaldehyde.

The mechanism of ethanol damage is still unclear. Acetaldehyde is not directly involved; cytosol components are likely to be responsible.

Why is this discovery important and applicable?

Since these experiments were carried out in vitro, not in a living organism, it is most likely the interaction of acetaldehyde with another compound or compounds in the liver that causes the harmful changes. It may be by inhibiting (or enhancing) the activity of this compound — or one of the compounds if it turns out to be a series of reactions — scientists could decrease the effects of alcohol damage to the liver or other alcohol related problems.

Figure 15: Liver Cell Cytosol

<Click on the image or here for a larger image>