Disruption of methyl group metabolism by ethanol

Nutr Rev. 2005 Nov;63(11):387-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2005.tb00375.x.

Abstract

Recent studies have focused on establishing a link between the pathogenesis of ethanol and the disruption of metabolic pathways in the liver. Ethanol alters hepatic methionine metabolism, leading to perturbation of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent transmethylation. Therefore, the supply of metabolically related nutrients such as folate may play a role in the hepatotoxic effects of ethanol.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / adverse effects
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / pharmacology*
  • Ethanol / adverse effects
  • Ethanol / pharmacology*
  • Folic Acid / drug effects
  • Folic Acid / metabolism*
  • Folic Acid Deficiency / metabolism
  • Homocysteine / drug effects
  • Homocysteine / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / injuries
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Methionine / drug effects
  • Methionine / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Swine
  • Swine, Miniature

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Homocysteine
  • Ethanol
  • Folic Acid
  • Methionine