Ethanol metabolism and its effects on the intestinal epithelial barrier

Ethanol is widely consumed and is associated with an increasing global burden. Several reviews have addressed the effects of ethanol and its metabolite, acetaldehyde, on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, focusing carcinogenic effects or alcoholic liver disease. However, both the the nonoxidative metabolites of ethanol can affect the epithelial small and large intestines, thereby contributing to GI and liver review outlines the possible mechanisms of ethanol metabolism as well as effects of ethanol and its metabolites on the intestinal barrier. in humans and supporting in vitro data have indicated that ethanol as mainly acetaldehyde can increase small intestinal permeability. Limited also points to increased colon permeability following exposure to acetaldehyde. In vitro studies have provided several mechanisms for the epithelial barrier, including activation of different cell-signaling pathways, oxidative stress, and remodeling of the cytoskeleton. intestinal microbiota, however, should also be considered. In and its metabolites may act additively or even synergistically in vivo. Therefore, in vivo studies investigating the effects of ethanol and its byproducts on permeability of the small and large intestines are