Alcohol and Aldehyde Metabolizing Systems, Volume III: Intermediary Metabolism and Neurochemistry contains some of the papers presented at the Second International Symposium on Alcohol and Aldehyde Metabolizing Systems, held at the University of Pennsylvania in October 1976. Experts in the field from a wide variety of backgrounds tackled the problems of alcohol and aldehyde metabolism, discussed research findings, and examined controversial issues such as the effects of alcohol and aldehydes on intermediary metabolism. Comprised of 64 chapters, this volume begins with an analysis of the non-equilibrium behavior of biochemical systems, followed by a discussion on the configurational specificity of glycolytic enzymes. The reader is methodically introduced to redox compartmentation and the measurement of intracellular compartmentation of metabolites in rat liver; effect of chronic alcohol and oxygen tension on the development of hepatic necrosis in rats; and actions of ethanol metabolism on fatty acid synthesis in the liver. Subsequent chapters focus on regional metabolic rate in the central nervous system as related to function; effects of tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives of catecholamines and aldehydes on tyrosine hydroxylase; and lowering of blood acetaldehyde levels as a therapeutic approach to alcoholism. This book will be of value to practitioners and researchers from a variety of disciplines, including neurochemistry, biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, and pharmacology.
The papers in this book represent the proceedings of the Third International Symposium, which was held at the Addiction Research Foundation in Toronto in July, 1979. The purpose of this meeting was to bring together experts in the field from a wide variety of backgrounds in an attempt to gain some clarity and insight into the problems of alcohol and aldehyde metabolism. One might ask, "Why have such a meeting and a collection of research papers?" The answer is clear. The societal problem of alcoholism is, unlike many other health problems, growing instead of abating. Treatment efforts are largely ineffective (e.g., Griffith Edwards' classic work)', and fundamental research has yet to identify rational therapy based on sound mechanisms for this disease which effects 5% of the population severely and a much greater percentage to a lesser degree or indirectly. I have become impressed with the possibility that this lack of progress may be-in large part-due to a fundamental oversight on the part of investigators in the field of alcohol research. Simply, this possible problem could be stated as follows: an alcoholic is defined the same way as all other alcoholics. Attempts to identify possible subpopulations of alcoholics with defined and treatable diseases have been minimal. One could argue, however, that little evidence, with the exception of the gross psychiatric definitions (e.g., Jellinek) exists that there are different types of alcoholics. This argument is countered, first, by the dismal lack of progress made in this field by classifying an alcoholic equal to other alcoholics, and second, by analogy with cancer research. Now we know that "cancer" is only a generic term which defines a broad group of diseases, some caused by specific environmental chemicals, others by viruses, etc. Progress was only possible after suitable animal models were developed. More importantly, however, is the fact that once specific forms of the disease (i.e., once the diseases themselves were separated from the generic term) were identified, it was a relatively easy task to develop tests for early identification of some forms of the disease (e.g., the pap smear, etc.). This analogy can be extended to alcoholism's. First, let us assume that we have failed to develop tests for early identification of alcoholisms because the population is not carefully defined into subgroups. If we assume that subpopulations of alcoholics exist, we can again turn to the cancer literature for examples of how to proceed. Much progress in this field rests. On the careful development of strains of animals which differ in their susceptibility to certain carcinogens. By analogy, distinct forms of alcoholisms could be identified by the use of genetics (e.g., Goodwin). First, distinct phenotypes need to be developed for certain characteristics suspected to be important in alcoholism. Second, a test specific for early identification of this specific phenotype can then be developed. Third, longitudinal studies must be performed in humans to see if the animal work can be applied to man. Implicit in this rationale is the thought that progress is not possible by studying alcoholics 20 years after primary changes had occurred, nor even by studying pre-alcoholics until specific sub forms of the disease are identified. Thus, the need for fundamental research into the mechanisms responsible for alcoholism is required. Unfortunately, alcohol research appears to suffer some of the stigma of the alcoholic
The book deals with various clinical aspects of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) which is a potent source for oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is critical for pathogenesis of diseases and CYP2E1 is a major contributor for oxidative stress. Several clinical disorders are associated with changes in regulation of CYP2E1 and the consequent abnormalities which include alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic pancreatitis, carcinogenesis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, obesity, hepatitis C virus infection, reproductive organ toxicity, hepatocellular and cholestatic liver cirrhosis, inhibition of bone repair, cross-tolerance in smokers and people treated with nicotine, disorders of central nervous system, changes in metabolism of protoxicants in the circulatory system and susceptibility to human papillomavirus infection. Hence, CYP2E1 emerges as a new and potent player in aggravating injury and furthering disease complications.
Alcohol, Drugs, Genes and the Clinical Laboratory provides an overview and quick reference to genetic relationships and clinical laboratory information related to the serious public health issue of alcohol and drug abuse. Written in a clear and concise manner, this book discusses the necessary information for health and safety professionals working in public health to learn about complex issues quickly to better help their patients, employees, and others affected by alcohol and drug abuse. Alcohol, Drugs, Genes and the Clinical Laboratory covers the important aspects of drugs and alcohol abuse including genetic aspects along with laboratory methods for analysis of alcohol and abused drugs with emphasis on false positive test results. The book is helpful to healthcare professionals, such as pathologists who oversee alcohol and drug testing, emergency room physicians, family practice physicians who are first healthcare professionals who identify patients susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse, and psychiatrists involved with drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. It will also be useful to safety professionals who have to assess individuals for workplace responsibilities, ranging from police and recruitment to occupational safety and occupational medicine and public health officials. - Features accessible language for healthcare and safety professionals who are not experts in laboratory procedures - Provides examples from clinical and everyday situations - Explains how to interpret laboratory results and the latest genetic factors regarding drug and alcohol abuse
This volume provides an in-depth look at the genetic influences that contribute to the development of alcoholism. Part I: Epidemiologic Studies contains five chapters that examine the various approaches employed in the study of the genetics of alcoholism. It provides a historical perspective and details all the essentials of this subject. Part II: Selective Breeding Studies highlights the results of research involving the selective breeding of rodents. This type of research has produced homogenous strains exhibiting specific behavioral responses considered significant in the development and maintenance of alcohol dependence. The studies presented in Part III: Phenotypic Studies investigate and analyze phenotypic markers that serve as correlates to the genotypic determinants of alcoholism. Through its broad scope, this volume provides for the first time a panoramic view of the knowledge available on the hereditary influences of alcoholism.
This is a comprehensive review of the pharmacological effects of alcohol and the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of alcoholism. The book draws on general pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and alcohol studies to explore its theme. The second volume in the ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOLISM series, it focuses on the pharmacologic mechanisms underlying the development of alcoholism. The first section on basic pharmacology is concerned with those aspects that are common to all of alcohol's effects. These include pharmacokinetics, general metabolism, and cross-tolerance. The second section on neuropharmacology describes the effects of alcohol on various brain functions, including circulation and metabolism. The third section provides an in-depth review of the neurobiology of physical dependence, withdrawal, and physiological tolerance. The book as a whole gives a comprehensive and authoritative picture of the complex pharmacologic actions of alcohol, particularly on the nervous system. For clinicians and researchers in the field of alcohol and alcoholism, it will serve as a fundamental reference.
This comprehensive handbook is a "one-stop-shop" for all researchers involved in the field of alcohol-related harm at the whole body or cellular level. Over 100 chapters provide abundant information of a wide range of topics that extend from the evolutionary aspects of alcohol consumption and the prevalence of alcohol misuse to programmed cell death. Each chapter is highly illustrated with tables and figures making this a valuable reference for students, clinicians and researchers alike. *Over 100 chapters conveniently divided into 3 sections *Represents a 'one-stop-shop' of information with suitable indexing of the various pathways and processes *Each chapter is highly illustrated with tables as well as figures
Mitochondria are sometimes called the powerhouses of eukaryotic cells, because mitochondria are the site of ATP synthesis in the cell. ATP is the universal energy currency, it provides the power that runs all other life processes. Humans need oxygen to survive because of ATP synthesis in mitochondria. The sugars from our diet are converted to carbon dioxide in mitochondria in a process that requires oxygen. Just like a fire needs oxygen to burn, our mitochondria need oxygen to make ATP. From textbooks and popular literature one can easily get the impression that all mitochondria require oxygen. But that is not the case. There are many groups of organismsm known that make ATP in mitochondria without the help of oxygen. They have preserved biochemical relicts from the early evolution of eukaryotic cells, which took place during times in Earth history when there was hardly any oxygen avaiable, certainly not enough to breathe. How the anaerobic forms of mitochondria work, in which organisms they occur, and how the eukaryotic anaerobes that possess them fit into the larger picture of rising atmospheric oxygen during Earth history are the topic of this book.
The report provides an overview of alcohol consumption and harms in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Chapter 1) presents global strategies action plans and monitoring frameworks (Chapter 2) gives detailed information on: the consumption of alcohol in populations (Chapter 3); the health consequences of alcohol consumption (Chapter 4); and policy responses at national level (Chapter 5). In its final chapter 6 the imperative for reducing harmful use of alcohol in a public health perspective is presented. In addition the report contains country profiles for WHO Member States and appendices with statistical annexes a description of the data sources and methods used to produce the estimates and references.
