Alcohol Detoxification: Understanding The Enzyme's Role In The Stomach

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is an enzyme that detoxifies alcohol in the stomach and liver. It is our primary defense against alcohol, a toxic molecule that compromises the function of our nervous system. The liver is the primary organ responsible for detoxification, but a small amount of alcohol is absorbed directly by the tongue and mucosal lining of the mouth and then absorbed into the bloodstream through the tissue lining of the stomach. The liver cells produce the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which breaks alcohol into ketones at a rate of about 0.015 g/100mL/hour (reduces BAC by 0.015 per hour).

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is the first enzyme produced to help the body

Alcohol is a toxin that must be neutralized or eliminated from the body. The liver is the primary organ responsible for the detoxification of alcohol. However, the process of detoxifying alcohol starts in the stomach, where alcohol is first absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissue lining of the stomach and small intestine.

The body creates at least nine different forms of alcohol dehydrogenase, each with slightly different properties. Most of these are found primarily in the liver, including the beta3 form and the similar enzyme found in horse liver. The sigma form is found in the lining of the stomach. Each enzyme is composed of two subunits, and remarkably, you can mix and match subunits between these different forms, creating mixed dimers that are still active.

Ethanol is not the only target of these enzymes, and they also make important modifications to retinol, steroids, and fatty acids. The range of different types of ADH ensures that there will always be one that is perfect for the current task. ADH provides a line of defense against a common toxin in our environment, but this protection carries some dangers. ADH also modifies other alcohols, often producing dangerous products. For example, methanol, which is commonly used to "denature" ethanol, rendering it undrinkable, is converted into formaldehyde by ADH. Formaldehyde can cause widespread damage and even lead to death.

Some people may lack or express less ADH due to genetic mutations, and they are known to be more intolerant of alcohol than average.

ADH can detoxify about one drink per hour in the stomach

Alcohol is a toxin that must be neutralized or eliminated from the body. The liver is the primary organ responsible for the detoxification of alcohol. Liver cells produce the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) which breaks alcohol into ketones at a rate of about 0.015 g/100mL/hour (reduces BAC by 0.015 per hour). This is the same as about one standard drink per hour for men. However, it is important to note that the rate of detoxification can be affected by various factors such as gender, medication, and illness.

Once alcohol is swallowed, a small amount is absorbed by the tongue and the mucosal lining of the mouth. The majority of the alcohol then moves to the stomach, where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissue lining of the stomach and small intestine. Food in the stomach can inhibit the absorption of alcohol by physically obstructing its contact with the stomach lining, absorbing alcohol, or simply taking up space.

ADH is our primary defense against alcohol, a toxic molecule that compromises the function of our nervous system. High levels of ADH in the liver and stomach detoxify about one stiff drink each hour. The alcohol is first converted to acetaldehyde, an even more toxic molecule, which is then quickly converted into acetate and other molecules that can be easily utilized by our cells. Our bodies create at least nine different forms of ADH, each with slightly different properties. Most of these are found primarily in the liver.

In summary, ADH plays a crucial role in detoxifying alcohol in the body, with the ability to process about one drink per hour in the liver and stomach. This rate can be influenced by individual factors, and it is important to note that the presence of food in the stomach can also impact the absorption and detoxification of alcohol.

The alcohol ingested is converted into acetaldehyde, which is toxic

Alcohol is a toxin that must be neutralized or eliminated from the body. The liver is the primary organ responsible for the detoxification of alcohol. Liver cells produce the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which breaks alcohol into ketones at a rate of about 0.015 g/100mL/hour (reducing BAC by 0.015 per hour).

Once alcohol is swallowed, it is not digested like food. First, a small amount is absorbed directly by the tongue and mucosal lining of the mouth. Once in the stomach, alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissue lining of the stomach and small intestine.

Acetaldehyde is then further metabolized into acetate, a less toxic compound, by another enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Acetate is then broken down into water and carbon dioxide for easy elimination from the body.

Acetaldehyde is then quickly converted into acetate and other molecules

Alcohol is a toxin that must be neutralized or eliminated from the body. The liver is the primary organ responsible for the detoxification of alcohol. Liver cells produce the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, an even more toxic molecule.

In the brain, the enzyme catalase is primarily responsible for oxidizing ethanol to acetaldehyde, and alcohol dehydrogenase plays a minor role. The last steps of alcoholic fermentation in bacteria, plants, and yeast involve the conversion of pyruvate into acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide by the enzyme pyruvate decarboxylase.

Acetaldehyde is an important precursor to several compounds, including pyridine derivatives, pentaerythritol, and crotonaldehyde. It is also naturally occurring in coffee, bread, and ripe fruit.

The liver is the primary organ responsible for alcohol detoxification

Alcohol is a toxin that must be neutralized or eliminated from the body. Once swallowed, a small amount of alcohol is absorbed by the tongue and the mucosal lining of the mouth. In the stomach, alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissue lining of the stomach and the small intestine. The presence of food in the stomach can inhibit the absorption of alcohol by physically obstructing it from coming into contact with the stomach lining.

Other enzymes that break down alcohol into acetaldehyde include cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and catalase. However, CYP2E1 is only active after large amounts of alcohol have been consumed, and catalase metabolizes only a small fraction of alcohol in the body.

While the liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing ingested alcohol, some studies have suggested that the stomach also plays a role in the process. Human ADH3, found in both the liver and stomach, may play a more significant role in the stomach, as gastric alcohol concentrations can reach a higher level during alcohol consumption.

Frequently asked questions