Abstract
Aim: The scientific viewpoint of genetic polymorphisms associated with risk of alcoholism and its adverse individual behavioural reactions is the main focus of this review. A complex syndrome like alcoholism and its idiosyncrasy may not be entirely understood on the basis of pathophysiological concept of neurotransmission alone. While neuropharmacology explains the mechanism behind molecular basis of alcoholism, the variation in alcohol induced abnormal neurotransmission due to presence or absence of different gene variants or isoenzymes of a particular gene on the other hand is a strong indication of genetic predisposition to alcoholism. In this article the term alcohol is used as a generic name for ethanol, which is the main subject of this discussion. Conclusion: The concomitant untoward intrinsic toxicity associated with alcoholism that makes it a potential trigger to a myriad of abnormal behavioural reactions in not only dose dependent pattern but with strong genetic disposition arises majorly due to different modes and levels of genetic variation in metabolic enzymes.
Highlights
Ethanol which is generically called alcohol has been a part of human culture with a universal history across almost all societies in which it is consumed, experiencing net health and social problems [1, 2]
Ethanol consumption is recommended as an antidote for people who have consumed ethylene glycol, as it inhibits its oxidation to the toxic ethanal and subsequently to oxalate, allowing time for the glycol to be eliminated from the body unchanged [9]
The genetic polymorphisms associated with alcohol-induced flushing in alcoholism are through molecular mechanisms that include accumulation of acetaldehyde, release of histamine [15] and genetic influence of transmitter chemicals and their metabolic enzymes
Summary
Ethanol which is generically called alcohol has been a part of human culture with a universal history across almost all societies in which it is consumed, experiencing net health and social problems [1, 2]. Rather than having nutritional value, complications of alcohol nutritional implications abound In small doses it stimulates appetite while larger amounts suppress hunger, which deprives the body of nutrients leading to malnutrition and anaemia. Alcohol crosses the blood placental barrier to affect the foetus in the womb causing some negative effects on the cells These effects lead to impairment of some structures responsible for spatial memory, cognitive and coordination function in the brain. The genetic polymorphisms associated with alcohol-induced flushing in alcoholism are through molecular mechanisms that include accumulation of acetaldehyde, release of histamine [15] and genetic influence of transmitter chemicals and their metabolic enzymes These in turn influence alcohol consumption and have been viewed as high risk factors for developing alcohol abuse and dependence [16,17,18]. While a drug may not really change a person's genes, it can stimulate some genes to amplify their production of proteins, causing alteration in cellular physiology and morphology [19]
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