Apoptosis of enterocytes and nitration of junctional complex proteins promote alcohol-induced gut leakiness and liver injury

Excessive amounts of alcohol intake can damage many organs or deaths in severe cases. Heavy alcohol intake is also known to cause gut leakiness, contributing to increased endotoxemia and inflammatory tissue damage in the liver and brain [1 –4]. Various pathological conditions, such as HIV infection [5–7], obesity [8], and burn injury [9], are known to increase gut leakiness and endotoxemia. In addition, binge alcohol [10] and nonalcoholic substances such as high fat diets [11] and fructose [12] can stimulate gut leakiness, leading to elevated serum endotoxin and liver inflammation.
Source: Journal of Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research