Effect of alcohol on iron storage diseases of the liver.
The consumption of excess alcohol in patients with liver iron storage diseases, in particular the iron-overload disease hereditary haemochromatosis (HH), has important clinical consequences. HH, a common genetic disorder amongst people of European descent, results in a slow, progressive accumulation of excess hepatic iron. If left untreated, the condition may lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. The consumption of excess alcohol remains an important cause of hepatic cirrhosis and alcohol consumption itself may lead to altered iron homeostasis. Both alcohol and iron independently have been shown to result in increased oxidative stress causing lipid peroxidation and tissue damage. Therefore, the added effects of both toxins may exacerbate the pathogenesis of disease and impose an increased risk of cirrhosis. This review discusses the concomitant effects of alcohol and iron on the pathogenesis of liver disease. We also discuss the implications of co-existent alcohol and iron in end-stage liver disease.
Fletcher
Linda M
LM
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia.
Bridle
Kim R
KR
Crawford
Darrell H G
DH
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D009154:Mutation; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010641:Phenotype; D014168:Transferrin / Q000032:analysis; D044465:White People
D015415:Biomarkers; C103673:HFE protein, human; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D014168:Transferrin; D007501:Iron