[Ethanol and carcinogenesis]

Abstract

Chronic alcoholism and incidence of carcinoma of the oropharynx, the larynx, the esophagus and the liver (and probably as well of the pancreas and rectum) are correlated, as epidemiological studies have shown. In animal experiments ethanol is not carcinogenic, but it enhances carcinogenesis induced by other compounds; it may influence the initial as well as the promotional phase of carcinogenesis. A local effect could be the responsible mechanism in carcinogenesis of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Ethanol does influence regenerative, secretory, motility nd microbial patterns of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition changes of hormone, vitamin and mineral metabolism and of the immune system induced by ethanol may contribute to carcinogenesis. Ethanol enhances activation of a number of procarcinogens in the small intestine, in the liver and in the lung. It is also known that different alcoholic beverages contain carcinogens.