[Alcohol and liver]

Abstract

The first part of this article is devoted to the metabolism of alcohol and the mechanisms underlying its hepatotoxicity. The second part describes the clinical features of the various patterns of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD). The third part focuses on the characteristics, semiological value, and limitations of serum markers used in ARLD. Tests used to screen for alcohol abuse (blood alcohol, MCV, GGT, CDT, and FAEE) differ from those used to monitor alcohol withdrawal and to detect early-stage liver disease (ALT, AST, ASTm, alphaGST, and redox status).