Effects of ethanol on physiological retinoic acid levels
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Published on: February 11, 2020
1Program in Metabolic Biology, Nutritional Science and Toxicology, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA. jna@berkeley.edu
Abstract:
All-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) serves essential functions during embryogenesis and throughout postnatal vertebrate life. Insufficient or excess atRA causes teratogenic and/or toxic effects in the developing embryo: interference with atRA biosynthesis or signaling likely underlies some forms of cancer. Many symptoms of vitamin A (atRA precursor) deficiency and/or toxicity overlap with those of another pleiotropic agent--ethanol. These overlapping symptoms have prompted research to understand whether interference with atRA biosynthesis and/or action may explain (in part) pathology associated with excess ethanol consumption. Ethanol affects many aspects of retinoid metabolism and mechanisms of action site specifically, but no robust data support inhibition of vitamin A metabolism, resulting in decreased atRA in vivo during normal vitamin A nutriture. Actually, ethanol either has no effect on or increases atRA at select sites. Despite this realization, insight into whether interactions between ethanol and retinoids represent cause versus effect requires additional research.
Insights
Ethanol consumption and vitamin A (all-trans-retinoic acid) share overlapping symptoms. Research indicates ethanol does not decrease all-trans-retinoic acid levels, suggesting complex interactions require further study.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- All-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) is crucial for embryonic development and vertebrate life.
- Disruptions in atRA metabolism or signaling are linked to birth defects and cancer.
- Overlapping symptoms between vitamin A deficiency/toxicity and ethanol exposure suggest a potential link.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether ethanol interferes with all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) biosynthesis or signaling.
- To clarify the relationship between ethanol consumption and retinoid metabolism in vivo.
- To determine if ethanol-induced pathology is partly explained by altered atRA levels.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing research on ethanol's effects on retinoid metabolism and action.
- Analysis of data regarding in vivo atRA levels during ethanol consumption and normal vitamin A nutriture.
Main Results:
- Ethanol affects various aspects of retinoid metabolism and signaling.
- No robust data confirm ethanol inhibits vitamin A metabolism, decreasing in vivo atRA levels.
- Ethanol was observed to have no effect or increase atRA levels at specific sites.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between ethanol and retinoids is complex and not fully understood.
- Current evidence does not support ethanol causing pathology through decreased atRA levels.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the cause-and-effect relationship between ethanol and retinoids.
