alcohol metabolic process
Definition
Target type: biologicalprocess
The chemical reactions and pathways involving alcohols, any of a class of compounds containing one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a saturated carbon atom. [ISBN:0198506732]
The metabolism of alcohol, specifically ethanol, is a complex process that involves multiple enzymes and pathways. It begins with the absorption of ethanol into the bloodstream, primarily through the small intestine. The liver is the primary site of alcohol metabolism, where ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Acetaldehyde is a highly toxic compound, and its accumulation can lead to various adverse effects. However, it is quickly further metabolized by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to acetate, which is less toxic and can be used as energy by the body.
There are two main pathways for alcohol metabolism:
1. The **ADH/ALDH pathway**: This is the primary pathway, responsible for the majority of alcohol metabolism. It involves the sequential action of ADH and ALDH.
2. The **Microsomal Ethanol Oxidizing System (MEOS)**: This pathway becomes more active when alcohol consumption is high or chronic. It involves enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum of the liver, particularly cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). The MEOS pathway is less efficient than the ADH/ALDH pathway and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to liver damage.
The rate of alcohol metabolism can vary depending on factors like genetics, gender, body size, and the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption. Individuals with genetic variations in ADH or ALDH enzymes may experience different rates of alcohol metabolism and may be more susceptible to alcohol-related health problems.
The metabolism of alcohol is a vital process for detoxification and the prevention of alcohol accumulation in the body. However, excessive alcohol consumption can overwhelm the metabolic capacity of the liver, leading to alcohol-related liver disease, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Overall, the biological process of alcohol metabolism is a complex and intricate process that involves multiple enzymes, pathways, and factors. Understanding this process is crucial for comprehending the physiological effects of alcohol and the potential risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.'
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Proteins (3)
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| All-trans-retinol dehydrogenase [NAD(+)] ADH4 | An all-trans-retinol dehydrogenase [NAD(+)] ADH4 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P08319] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Alcohol dehydrogenase 1A | An alcohol dehydrogenase 1A that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P07327] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Aldehyde dehydrogenase, mitochondrial | An aldehyde dehydrogenase, mitochondrial that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P05091] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compounds (17)
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| tetramethylene sulfoxide | tetrahydrothiophenes | ||
| disulfiram | organic disulfide; organosulfur acaricide | angiogenesis inhibitor; antineoplastic agent; apoptosis inducer; EC 1.2.1.3 [aldehyde dehydrogenase (NAD(+))] inhibitor; EC 3.1.1.1 (carboxylesterase) inhibitor; EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor; EC 5.99.1.2 (DNA topoisomerase) inhibitor; ferroptosis inducer; fungicide; NF-kappaB inhibitor | |
| thiram | thiram : An organic disulfide that results from the formal oxidative dimerisation of N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamic acid. It is widely used as a fungicidal seed treatment. Thiram: A dithiocarbamate chemical, used commercially in the rubber processing industry and as a fungicide. In vivo studies indicate that it inactivates the enzyme GLUTATHIONE REDUCTASE. It has mutagenic activity and may induce chromosomal aberrations. | organic disulfide | antibacterial drug; antifungal agrochemical; antiseptic drug |
| bis(1-piperidylthiocarbonyl)disulfide | bis(1-piperidylthiocarbonyl)disulfide: indicator for analysis of copper; structure | ||
| isovaleramide | isovaleramide: inhibits liver alcohol dehydrogenases | ||
| n-cyclohexylformamide | alicyclic compound; formamides | mouse metabolite | |
| win 18446 | WIN 18446 : A carboxamide that is 1,8-diaminooctane in which a hydrogen attached to each of the amino groups has been replaced by a dichloroacetyl group. Inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a2 (ALDH1a2). Inhibits the biosynthesis of retinoic acid from retinol in neonatal and adult murine testis. It down-regulates sex related genes in zebrafish. | organochlorine compound; secondary carboxamide | EC 1.2.1.3 [aldehyde dehydrogenase (NAD(+))] inhibitor |
| 4-(diethylamino)benzaldehyde | 4-(diethylamino)benzaldehyde : A member of the class of benzaldehydes carrying a diethylamino substituent at position 4. | aromatic amine; benzaldehydes; tertiary amino compound | EC 1.2.1.3 [aldehyde dehydrogenase (NAD(+))] inhibitor |
| magnolol | biphenyls | ||
| n-benzylformamide | formamides | ||
| daidzin | daidzein 7-O-beta-D-glucoside : A glycosyloxyisoflavone that is daidzein attached to a beta-D-glucopyranosyl residue at position 7 via a glycosidic linkage. It is used in the treatment of alcohol dependency (antidipsotropic). daidzin: a potent, selective, and reversible inhibitor of human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase | 7-hydroxyisoflavones 7-O-beta-D-glucoside; hydroxyisoflavone; monosaccharide derivative | plant metabolite |
| ononin | 4'-methoxyisoflavones; 7-hydroxyisoflavones 7-O-beta-D-glucoside; monosaccharide derivative | plant metabolite | |
| 7-butyl-8-[[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]methyl]-1,3-dimethylpurine-2,6-dione | piperazines | ||
| n-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2,6-dichlorobenzamide | N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2,6-dichlorobenzamide: Cardioprotective Agent; a small-molecule activator of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 that reduces ischemic damage to the heart | carbonyl compound; organohalogen compound | |
| daidzein | 7-hydroxyisoflavones | antineoplastic agent; EC 2.7.7.7 (DNA-directed DNA polymerase) inhibitor; EC 3.2.1.20 (alpha-glucosidase) inhibitor; phytoestrogen; plant metabolite | |
| prunetin | prunetin : A hydroxyisoflavone that is genistein in which the hydroxy group at position 7 is replaced by a methoxy group. prunetin: reduces herpes virus-1 plaque formation | 7-methoxyisoflavones; hydroxyisoflavone | anti-inflammatory agent; EC 1.2.1.3 [aldehyde dehydrogenase (NAD(+))] inhibitor; EC 1.3.1.22 [3-oxo-5alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase (NADP(+))] inhibitor; metabolite |
| 4'-hydroxychalcone | 4'-hydroxychalcone : A member of the class of chalcones that is trans-chalcone substituted by a hydroxy group at position 4'. 4'-hydroxychalcone: inhibits TNFalpha-induced NF-κB activation; structure in first source | chalcones; phenols | anti-inflammatory agent; antineoplastic agent |