Hepatic and other medical disorders of alcoholism: from pathogenesis to treatment

The medical risks of moderate and excessive alcohol consumption are reviewed. Current knowledge of metabolism of alcohol, including effects of moderate amounts, on hepatic metabolism and toxicity is summarized, with an evaluation of the relationship between the level of consumption and its effects on nutrients (including retinoids, carotenoids and folate), liver disease and other medical complications of alcoholism, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Putative benefits are also considered. Promising therapeutic approaches evolving from newly gained insight in the pathogenesis of medical complications of alcoholism are outlined.