Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
08:37
Assessment of Glutamine as a Fuel Source for Alveolar Macrophages Exposed to Chronic Ethanol Using an Extracellular Flux Bioanalyzer
Published on: November 15, 2024
Alcohol abuse and pulmonary disease
Darren M Boé1, R William Vandivier, Ellen L Burnham
1Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, 12700 E. 19th Ave., C272, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. darren.boe@ucdenver.edu
Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|July 16, 2009
Summary
Alcohol abuse is a significant risk factor for developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a severe lung injury. Individuals with alcohol abuse history face higher ARDS mortality rates and prolonged recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a critical lung injury with high mortality.
- Alcohol abuse is prevalent in ARDS patients, suggesting a link.
- Existing treatments for ARDS have limited impact on mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between alcohol abuse and ARDS.
- To discuss the impact of alcohol on pulmonary function.
- To identify therapeutic targets for alcohol-related ARDS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on alcohol abuse and ARDS.
- Analysis of pathological and physiological changes in ARDS.
- Examination of immune and cellular pathways affected by alcohol.
Main Results:
- Alcohol abuse is an independent risk factor for ARDS development.
- Alcohol abuse increases ARDS mortality, ventilation duration, and ICU stay.
- Alcohol impairs immune function, antioxidant capacity, and alveolar cell function.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol abuse significantly worsens ARDS outcomes.
- Targeting alcohol-induced pathway dysregulation may offer new therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to develop effective treatments for alcohol-related ARDS.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...