In many societies alcohol is the
most common cause of chronic liver disease. In fact it has become a major
source of concern in our communities because it accounts for a high percentage
of deaths among the youths especially male within the age range of 25 – 35
years.
HOW DOES ALCOHOL CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE?
Alcohol is metabolised almost
exclusively by the liver, alcohol is a powerful inducer of mixed-function
enzymes called oxidases and these enzymes break down alcohol into toxins called
acetate. Acetate is toxic to the liver cells (hepatocytes); the amount of
acetate in the blood depends on the quantity of alcohol ingested therefore
persistently high levels of acetate in the blood results in liver damage hence
liver disease.
Five years or more than 10 years
of drinking is required to produce alcoholic cirrhosis and a steady daily
intake is more hazardous than intermittent drinking.
Alcohol causes several lesions in
the liver which can occur either singly or in combination and can be seen by
the aid of the electron microscope. These include:
Fatty liver (steatosis), Mallory
Hyaline, Siderosis, Autoimmune hepatitis, Fibrosis, Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular
Carcinoma
