Effects of Alcoholism and Other Misdiagnosed Ailments on Liver Function

To further expand our knowledge on the frightening topic of Alcoholism and its corresponding effects on the Liver, researchers and interested inquirers alike should make sure they fully understand what the term Alcoholism really means. Alcoholism doesn’t have its own section in DSM-V however, it is considered one of the ten substance related disorders that the manual describes. To be classified as a substance abuse disorder, eleven different criteria need to be met. Alcoholism is further broken down into two different severities as well: dependence and abuse. Directly affected by ingestion of alcohol is the body’s filter; the liver. Not only does the liver filter blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body but it also converts nutrients into substances that our body can use and stores them. Some noted vitamins that can be affected by a faulty liver include but are not limited to: vitamins B1, B3, B6 (Thiamine, Niacin, Pyridoxine ), folic acid and vitamin A. Complex processes involving alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and Glucogenesis will later be broken down more specifically at a cellular level. Thorough research has indicated that an overabundance of alcohol in a body system can decrease the rate of metabolism and chemical detoxification and can adversely affect digestion. With enough alcohol, the liver can fall so behind with its duties that liver tissue can actually die and further shut this vital organ down completely. There is the possibility of misdiagnosis, however. Other diseases such as Chronic Liver Disease, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C have also been linked to liver failure that can mimic symptoms of alcoholism. The goal of this research paper... ... http://widelantern.com/2011/11/drug-alcohol-tobacco-use-broken-down-by- raceethinicity/ Fenway Health (Fenway Health) http://www.fenwayhealth.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5203&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=FCHC_ Fried, D. G. (2001). Liver: Comparative Anatomy. Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorders (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)) http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol- use-disorders/genetics-alcohol-use-disorders Kiefer, D. F., Israel, D. Y., & Martino, D. S. (2003). Alcoholism. NIAAA Publications (NIAAA Publications) http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/combine/FAQs.htm Seitz, H., & Stickel, F. (2006). Biological chemistry: Risk factors and mechanisms of Hepatocarcinogenesis with special emphasis on alcohol and oxidative stress. (4th ed., Vol. 387, pp. 349-360). Effects of Alcoholism and Other Misdiagnosed Ailments on Liver Function To further expand our knowledge on the frightening topic of Alcoholism and its corresponding effects on the Liver, researchers and interested inquirers alike should make sure they fully understand what the term Alcoholism really means. Alcoholism doesn’t have its own section in DSM-V however, it is considered one of the ten substance related disorders that the manual describes. To be classified as a substance abuse disorder, eleven different criteria need to be met. Alcoholism is further broken down into two different severities as well: dependence and abuse. Directly affected by ingestion of alcohol is the body’s filter; the liver. Not only does the liver filter blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body but it also converts nutrients into substances that our body can use and stores them. Some noted vitamins that can be affected by a faulty liver include but are not limited to: vitamins B1, B3, B6 (Thiamine, Niacin, Pyridoxine ), folic acid and vitamin A. Complex processes involving alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and Glucogenesis will later be broken down more specifically at a cellular level. Thorough research has indicated that an overabundance of alcohol in a body system can decrease the rate of metabolism and chemical detoxification and can adversely affect digestion. With enough alcohol, the liver can fall so behind with its duties that liver tissue can actually die and further shut this vital organ down completely. There is the possibility of misdiagnosis, however. Other diseases such as Chronic Liver Disease, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C have also been linked to liver failure that can mimic symptoms of alcoholism. The goal of this research paper... ... http://widelantern.com/2011/11/drug-alcohol-tobacco-use-broken-down-by- raceethinicity/ Fenway Health (Fenway Health) http://www.fenwayhealth.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5203&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=FCHC_ Fried, D. G. (2001). Liver: Comparative Anatomy. Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorders (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)) http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol- use-disorders/genetics-alcohol-use-disorders Kiefer, D. F., Israel, D. Y., & Martino, D. S. (2003). Alcoholism. NIAAA Publications (NIAAA Publications) http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/combine/FAQs.htm Seitz, H., & Stickel, F. (2006). Biological chemistry: Risk factors and mechanisms of Hepatocarcinogenesis with special emphasis on alcohol and oxidative stress. (4th ed., Vol. 387, pp. 349-360).