[Contribution of ethanol in apoptosis induction]

Abstract

Ethanol is the most common and widespread protoplasmatic poison. The destruction of cells and tissues occurs in both addicted and nonaddicted individuals, who use alcohol occasionally or temporarily. Apoptosis constitutes a very crucial factor in the pathogenesis of acute alcohol poisoning and chronic addiction. Ethanol and its metabolites induce suicidal cell death in crucial internal organs. However, despite extensive research on the role of alcohol and its metabolites in programmed cell death induction, the problem continues to be widely discussed and has no unambiguous explanation. The aim of this study is to present a review of up-to-date literature addressing the inducing influence of alcohol in apoptosis.