Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
Homocysteine, alcoholism and its molecular networks
1Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Germany. bleich.stefan@mh-hannover.de
Abstract:
The emerging research on biomarkers in alcohol dependence has lead to a deeper understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms in alcoholism. The molecular networks and the pathophysiological circuits are complex and not completely unrevealed up to now. One of the most interesting biomarkers described to play an important role in alcohol dependence is the amino-acid homocysteine, which has particularly been linked with brain atrophy and withdrawal seizures. However, the molecular networks of homocysteine are complex and include an important impact on epigenetic regulation via homocysteine's action as a methyl-group donator in human metabolism. So, alterations in human homocysteine levels can influence DNA-methylation of specific gene areas which may change expression and synthesis of proteins possibly important for the genesis and maintenance of alcohol dependence.
Related Concept Videos
Aldehydes and Ketones with Alcohols: Hemiacetal Formation
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Amino Acid Catabolism
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Hepatic Encephalopathy
