Alcohol - Effects and Associated Diseases

 

Alcohol - Effects and Associated Diseases

Alcohol has some positive effects in small amounts, but if consumed regularly, it increases the risk of numerous diseases or worsens the course of diseases.

 

The increased consumption can lead to impaired liver function and liver damage, fatty liver, lipid metabolism disorders, hypoglycemia, gastric mucosal inflammation, or an increased risk of heart attack, cancer, and stroke.

KEYWORD

Metabolism Aspects

Education and characteristics

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Alcohol ( ethanol ) is produced naturally during the fermentation of sugary fruits. It is also produced industrially on a large scale.

 

It is a colorless organic compound made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that smells pungent and tastes burning. The substance has a disinfecting and intoxicating effect. Pure alcohol (96%), spirit (90%), and spiritusdilutus (70%) are inedible.

Absorption into the body

Ethanol is quickly absorbed in all areas of the digestive tract. The absorption begins in the oral mucosa's mouth, continues in the stomach via the gastric mucosa, and, for the most part, in the intestine via the intestinal mucosa. The recording speed increases

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·        an empty stomach

·        hot drinks

·        Sugar and carbonic acid

·        Easily digestible food.

·        The absorption speed decreases with foods rich in fat and protein.

 

Dismantling

The central place of breakdown is the liver. In the first step, acetaldehyde is produced. Several enzyme systems are involved in this.

 

The alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) reaches the maximum conversion rate at a comparatively low alcohol concentration. The activity of the enzyme is therefore limited. The reaction requires zinc and consumes large amounts of oxygen. The resulting cell-toxic acetaldehyde causes the typical symptoms of the "hangover."

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The microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS) only becomes active at higher alcohol levels (from around 1 per mille). With regular high intake, alcohol tolerance develops, and it is broken down more quickly. MEOS is also involved in the breakdown of numerous drugs. Hence the recommendation not to take medications with alcoholic beverages, as the competition for MEOS means that the drugs are metabolized more slowly, and their effects last longer.

 

The converted to acetyl-CoA via the intermediate product acetate in a second step. Acetyl-CoA can generate energy (existing energy requirement) or serve the formation of fatty acids and ketone bodies (increased incorporation of fat into the liver).

Dismantling

5% is excreted through breathing, sweat, and urine. The excretion rate begins with a steep increase and decreases linearly over time. Under normal conditions, the quality of elimination per hour in men is about 0.1 g / kg; in women at about 0.085 g / kg.

Mode of action

General effect on cells

 

Ethanol acts as a cell poison and removes essential electrolytes such as magnesium or potassium from the body.

 

Effect on the CNS

 

It crosses the blood-brain barrier. It has a stimulating effect in small doses; Inhibitory in high doses (first euphoric and finally tiring).

 

Effect on liver

 

Ethanol leads to liver cells' death and increases the formation of fat in the liver.

 

Influence on kidneys

 

It has a kidney-stimulating effect with an increased basal metabolic rate in the renal tubules and increased kidney blood flow, which leads to increased urination ( diuresis ) and the need to urinate.

 

Influence on vessels

 

The peripheral blood flow is stimulated in the vessels. This manifests itself in a reddened, warm skin and explains the pleasant sensation after drinking alcohol in a state of freezing. The result is increased heat dissipation through the skin, which explains the homeless's risk of frostbite. The chronic vasodilation of the nose, fingers, and toes leads to a permanent bulging of the vessels (schnapps nose).

 

Influence on vitamin and mineral intake

 

Ethanol inhibits the absorption of vitamins and minerals. In alcoholics, deficiencies in vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, D, E, and folic acid and the minerals magnesium, zinc, and selenium, often occur.

 

Poor memory

 

Acetylcholine is a crucial transmitter substance throughout the body. Alcohol decreases the synthesis of acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This leads to cognitive impairment, misjudgment, and forgetfulness.

 

inertia

 

Ethanol increases the effect of gamma-amino-butyric acid ( GABA ), which has an essential function in signal transmission between nerve cells. A sedating effect occurs with excessive intake.

 

Restlessness

 

Chronic consumption induces the death of sympathetic inhibitor receptors. The triggers stress reactions in the body and misdirected alarm conditions.