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Ethanol is a very commonly used chemical; whether it is at home drinking a nice cold one, or filling up the tank at the gas station. Ethanol is a big part of our everyday lives.

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Ethanol is also known as ethyl-alcohol because of its chemical composition.

Typically found in:

• Fuel when mixed with gasoline
• Alcoholic beverages
• Chemistry labs to wash equipment (purest form)

Ethanol is formed by fermenting different types of starch such as:

• corn
• wheat
• grain
• barley
• potatoes

Biotransformation:

Ethanols is developed from different things and can be turned to different things via biotransformation.

• External fermentation of ethanol via starches for the purpose of use or consumption.
• Internal fermentation of ethanol in the body via starches.
• Oxidation of ethanol to form acetaldehyde by NAD+
  • Formation of acetic acid from acetaldehyde

Toxicokinetics:

***the rate of toxicokinetics can vary due to age, gender, weight, etc.

Absporbtion

• GI tract (small intestine) when ingested
• Lungs when inhaled
• Sometimes absorbed by the skin.

Distribution

• Ethanol is distributed equally throughout the body depending on:
  • the amount of water in that area.
  • blood flow to that area
  • tissue mass

Metabolism:

• Via the liver

Elimination:

• Typically via breath, urine, sweat, saliva, feces, and breast milk.

Mechanism of action:

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-The mechanism of action of alcohol is increased production of GABA. GABA is an inhibitory neuron and CNS activity is reduced due to the inhibitory effects of GABA.

-Ethanol can also act on the reward pathways by releasing excess amounts of dopamine.

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Target organs:

Ethanol primarily targets the brain/central nervous system (CNS).

Signs & Symptoms:

• confusion
• vomiting
• convulsions
• respiratory depression
• hypothermia
• unconsciousness/ coma

*Alcohol poisoning can result in DEATH.

Treatments:

In less severe cases, patients will be monitored until it passes through their system.

In severe cases:

• Stomach pumping/fluid flushing
• IV fluids to help with dehydration
• Insertion of breathing tube
• Insertion of catheter

Carcinogenicity:

Research strongly shows a relationship between ethanol/alcohol consumption/exposure and cancer. It is classified as a class 1 carcinogen which is very carcinogenic to humans.

Primary types of cancer related to ethanol exposure are:

• Head and neck
• Esophageal
• Liver
• Breast
• Colorectal

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Genetic Susceptibility/ Heritable Traits:

Ethanol in alcohol

Abuse of Alcohol

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is heavily related to mental health disorders such as:

• depression
• anxiety
• schizophrenia
• etc.

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Historical/Unique Exposures:

In 1920, the United states banned all use, trade, production, etc. of alcoholic beverages. This ban was a constitutional ban referred to in the 18th amendment. In 1933, the ban on alcohol was lifted and prohibition was ended.

Biomarkers:

Production from phase II liver metabolism:

• ethyl glucuronide
• ethyl sulfate

Other:

• Phosphoatidyethanol
• fatty acid ethyl esters

Essentiality and Deficiency:

Vitamin deficiencies may increase the risk of liver damage caused by ethanol.