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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
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Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
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Physiological processes underlying organ injury in alcohol abuse
Flavia M Souza-Smith1, Charles H Lang2, Laura E Nagy3
1Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, Louisiana; fsouz1@lsuhsc.edu.
Summary
Excessive alcohol use causes organ injury through complex physiological processes. This symposium explored the latest research on alcohol-related damage to the liver, muscle, adipose tissue, and brain.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Alcohol Research
Background:
- Alcohol abuse is a significant public health issue leading to widespread organ damage.
- Understanding the physiological mechanisms of alcohol-induced organ injury is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the American Physiological Society (APS) Presidential Symposium on "Physiological Processes Underlying Organ Injury in Alcohol Abuse."
- To consolidate current scientific understanding of how excessive alcohol consumption leads to organ damage.
Main Methods:
- The content is based on a review of presentations from the 2016 Experimental Biology meeting's APS Presidential Symposium 1.
- Experts shared the latest scientific advances and interdisciplinary research findings.
Main Results:
- Excessive alcohol use affects multiple organs, including the liver, muscle, adipose tissue, and brain.
- The symposium highlighted key physiological processes contributing to organ injury in alcohol abuse.
Conclusions:
- Continued research into the mechanisms of alcohol-related organ injury is essential.
- An interdisciplinary approach is vital for addressing the complexities of alcohol abuse and its consequences.
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