Alcoholic liver disease and antioxidants.

ABSTRACT

One of the major mechanisms postulated in production of liver injury in alcoholics is the oxidant stress, which is produced by an imbalance between the pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants. The major sources of oxidants are the enzyme systems which metabolize ethanol and the enzyme systems operating in the inflammatory cells. Further, alcohol, either directly or by means of associated malnutrition also leads to deficiency of anti-oxidants which tips the balance towards oxidative stress. We have also discussed the various anti-oxidants that have been used in alcoholic liver disease and their effect on liver necroinflammation and survival in these patients.