Work

Inflammation in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Year: 2012

Type: review

Abstract: Frank Burr Mallory's landmark observation in 1911 on the histopathology of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) was the first identification of a link between inflammation and ALD. In this review, we summarize recent advances regarding the origins and roles of various inflammatory components in ALD. Metabolism of ethanol generates a number of metabolites, including acetate, reactive oxygen species, acetaldehyde, and epigenetic changes, that can induce inflammatory responses. Alcohol and its metabolites can also initiate and aggravate inflammatory conditions by promoting gut leakiness of microbial products, by sensitizing immune cells to stimulation, and by activating innate immune pathways, such as complement. Chronic alcohol consumption also sensitizes nonimmune cells, e.g., hepatocytes, to inflammatory signals and impairs their ability to respond to protective signals. Based on these advances, a number of inflammatory targets have been identified with potential for therapeutic intervention in ALD, presenting new opportunities and challenges for translational research.

Source: Annual Review of Nutrition

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-072610-145138

Authors: H. Joe Wang, Bin Gao, Samir Zakhari, Laura E. Nagy

Institutions: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University

Language: English

Topic: Alcohol Consumption and Health Effects

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism