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Free radical mechanisms in alcohol-mediated liver injury

  • E. Albano
  • , G. Poli
  • , A. Tomasi
  • , M. U. Dianzani

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Experimental and clinical studies indicate that oxidative damage occurs in the liver during either acute or chronic alcoholic intoxication. Nonetheless, the mechanisms responsible for the pro-oxidant action of ethanol and their relevance in the pathogenesis of the hepatic lesions are still largely unknown. The observation that ethanol, as well as other alcohols, is activated to a free radical intermediate by the action of the ethanol-inducible form of cytochrome P-450 has given new insight into the problem. Besides the formation of ethanol radicals there is evidence that reactive oxygen species such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide can also be generated by the activity of the microsomal monooxygenase system and during the oxidation of acetaldehyde by xanthine oxidase. It is possible that the various mechanisms of free radical formation contribute to different extents in causing the oxidative lesions seen in the presence of acute or chronic intoxication.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChronic liver damage
Subtitle of host publicationproceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Italian National Programme on Liver Cirrhosis. ICS910
EditorsM.U. Dianzani, P. Gentilini, M.U. Dianzani, P. Gentilini
PublisherElsevier Science Publishers B. V.
Pages27-37
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)0444812113
Publication statusPublished - 1990
Externally publishedYes
EventThe Annual Meeting of the Italian National Programme on Liver Cirrhosis -
Duration: 11 Jan 199013 Jan 1990

Publication series

NameChronic liver damage: proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Italian National Programme on Liver Cirrhosis. ICS910

Conference

ConferenceThe Annual Meeting of the Italian National Programme on Liver Cirrhosis
Period11/01/9013/01/90

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