Oxygen free radicals may be generated during ethanol metabolization by cytochrome P450, or due to the formation of xanthine oxidase by ethanol effect on xanthine dehydrogenase. After transformation into acetaldehyde, the metabolism of this compound by xanthine oxidase or by aldehyde oxidase also generates oxygen radicals. We present the hypothesis of a vicious cycle during ethanol metabolization by aldehyde oxidase, which would amplify the process and be responsible for an increased degree of lipid peroxidation.