Alcohol and the liver

Br J Hosp Med. 1997;57(10):517-21.

Abstract

Alcohol remains the most common cause of cirrhosis in the Western world. This article reviews the increased understanding of the mechanisms by which alcohol damages the liver, why individuals differ in their susceptibility to alcohol, current treatments available and those which may have a role to play in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetaldehyde / metabolism
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects*
  • Alcohol Drinking / metabolism
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Ethanol / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver Diseases / etiology*
  • Liver Diseases / metabolism
  • Liver Diseases / therapy
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Ethanol
  • Acetaldehyde