Open AccessEpigenetic effects of ethanol on liver and gastrointestinal injury
Author(s) -
Shivendra D. Shukla,
Annayya R. Aroor
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v12.i33.5265
Subject(s) - epigenetics , dna methylation , liver injury , ethanol metabolism , histone , steatosis , oxidative stress , ethanol , biology , methylation , cancer research , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , biochemistry , pharmacology , endocrinology , gene
Alcohol consumption causes cellular injury. Recent developments indicate that ethanol induces epigenetic alterations, particularly acetylation, methylation of histones, and hypo- and hypermethylation of DNA. This has opened up a new area of interest in ethanol research and is providing novel insight into actions of ethanol at the nucleosomal level in relation to gene expression and patho-physiological consequences. The epigenetic effects are mainly attributable to ethanol metabolic stress (Emess), generated by the oxidative and non-oxidative metabolism of ethanol, and dysregulation of methionine metabolism. Epigenetic changes are important in ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, carcinoma and gastrointestinal injury. This editorial highlights these new advances and its future potential.