• Metabolism of alcohol takes place in the liver
• An enzyme known as Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol to acetaldehyde through a chemical process called oxidation.
• Studies shows that the chemical “acetaldehyde” which is produced after oxidation is even more toxic than alcohol itself
• An enzyme Aldehyde dehydrogenase acts on acetaldehyde and converts it into acetate which can be used as fuel by cell.
• This acetate travels through the bloodstream to other parts of the body where it may enter other metabolic cycles producing energy or vital molecules.
• A second pathways known as microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS) is followed in the people who indulged in chronic alcohol consumption
• In MEOS pathway an enzyme cytochrome P450 works. This enzyme converts alcohol to acetaldehyde. MEOS removes toxic compounds from the body
• Cytochrome P450 eliminates high levels of blood alcohol in heavy drinkers. It generates reactive oxygen radicals which damages cellular components.
• Consumption of large amount of alcohol increase iron levels in the body which may damage liver.
• Sometimes acetaldehydes may combine with liver proteins and produces harmful compounds that may interrupt with the functions of cellular components and enzymes
• Potentially dangerous compounds such as fatty acid ethyl esters and phosphatidylethanol may be produced by the combination of alcohol and other molecules in the cell.
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