In large quantities, alcohol and its metabolites can overwhelm the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver, causing damage both within the GI and to other organs. In particular, alcohol and its metabolites promote intestinal inflammation through various pathways. This inflammatory response, in turn, exacerbates alcohol-induced organ damage, creating a vicious cycle and inducing additional adverse effects of alcohol both locally and systemically.
This review summarizes the mechanisms by which chronic alcohol consumption leads to intestinal inflammation, including alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, increases in gut mucosal permeability, and impairment of gut immune homeostasis. Understanding the mechanisms of alcohol-induced intestinal inflammation may aid in the discovery of therapeutic approaches to mitigate alcohol-induced organ dysfunction.
Alcohol Res.: Alcohol and Gut-Derived Inflammation
Found at Alkohol adé (german)