| [Background] | [Aim] | [Details] | [Conclusions] | [References/Resources] |
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Alcohol, Acetaldehyde and You: Biological Effects of Ethanol | ||||
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Ethanol is the component of alcoholic beverages that causes intoxication. The primary product of alcohol (ethanol) when it is metabolized in the liver is acetaldehyde, which reduces NAD+ to NADH (See Figure 1 below). | |
| Acetaldehyde is thought to be a main cause of alcoholic liver disease. Acetaldehyde synthesis prevents regeneration of a cell's reducing power, leaving it without a means to ameliorate oxidative damage. Present studies by Pivetta et al infer that acetaldehyde may not be directly involved as a cause of human physiological problems, including alcoholic liver disease. Rather, cell components may influence this mechanism. |
Figure 1: Ethanol Metabolism to Acetaldehyde | |
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The terms ethanol and alcohol will be used interchangeably
in this document. | ||
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Spring 2006. Jennifer Lowe Bioc 462b
Honors. University of Arizona. Created under the guidance of Dr. Bourque.
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