Ethanol and liver injury: aspects relating to hepatic protein synthesis

Throughout the world ethanol consumption is probably one of the most important and widespread environmental factors in inducing human liver disease. Although it has been established that ethanol is a potent hepatotoxic agent, the mechanism/s by which it acts upon the liver is/are not clear. This review focuses upon one aspect of ethanol and its effect on liver metabolism, that relating to hepatic protein synthesis. Experimental studies have been reviewed and the current views regarding the action of ethanol upon hepatic protein synthesis are presented. The overall picture still remains to be clarified.