Biochem 2 Flashcards
(55 cards)
How does ethanol act on the brain?
It is a small molecule which can cross the BBB
Ethanol makes nerve membranes leaky
Impaired nervous function and even in severe cases death
What part of the brain is affected first by alcohol?
Cerebral cortex - leading to impaired judgement
What part of the brain is affected second and third by alcohol?
Forebrain - memory and emotions
Cerebellum - balance and movement
What part of the brain is affected fourth by alcohol? What are the consequences?
Brain stem breathing circulation (can be suppressed and cause death)
What is considered low medium ad high risk drinking per day for a male?
2
4-6
6+
What is considered low medium ad high risk drinking per day for a female?
Up to 2
2-4
4+
Where is alcohol dependence most common?
Dependence is generally higher in rural and colder states
What are the symptoms of severe dependence?
Severe Dependence exists when withdrawal causes tremors, anxiety, sweating or vomiting
Dependence is a continuum from mild to severe. It is more likely when family or social groups exhibit high drinking patterns. People who cannot stop drinking, when they realise that they should, are dependent
How many Australians likely have brain damage from alcohol consumption at current levels?
2 Million
What is Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome?
Neurotoxicity due to thiamine deficiency
What percentage of Australians are affected by Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome?
2%
What cause Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome?
Dietary deficiency (little fruit and veg) - no thiamine. Also alcohol metabolises thiamine further reducing its level
How can Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome be reversed?
Thiamine injection
What are the symptoms of Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome?
Eyes uncoordinated (nystagmus), Wide step, Confusion, Hypothermia, Amnesia and confabulation
What are some signs of alcoholism?
Neurological disturbances Brain damage Heart disease - Irregular heart beat Jaundice Altered breath Oesophageal varices Feminization (altered sex hormones - development of breasts) Extensively scarred liver Portal Hypertension Enlarged collateral vessels Ascites Hand tremor Hypogonadism Infertility in women Impotence in men Osteoporosis East bruising Muscle wasting Oedema
What is fatty liver?
Fatty liver occurs rapidly and is reversible (detected by ultrasound).
What is alcoholic hepatitis?
Alcoholic hepatitis with widespread inflammation. This occurs in up to 50% of heavy drinkers and may be recognised by the presence of fever, jaundice and abdominal pain. This condition carries a mortality of between 15 - 20%.
What is alcoholic cirrhosis?
Alcoholic cirrhosis is diagnosed in some 15-30% of heavy drinkers. The cirrhotic liver is characterised by extensive fibrosis that distorts the internal structure of the liver.
What percentage of the liver is required for normal function?
Only 40% of a liver’s functioning hepatocytes are required for its adequate performance. This is due to their efficiency and their ability to regenerate
How is serum albumin concentration affected by liver disease?
Usually normal in chronic liver diseases until cirrhosis is present.
Where is alcohol metabolised and where does it pass?
> 90% is metabolised in liver.
Where does alcohol enter the blood?
~30% enters blood from stomach.
~70% enters blood from gut
What happens to alcohol in the stomach?
Some undergoes first pass metabolism (alcohol dehydrogenase is gastric mucosa)
The rest either passes into the SI or enters the blood
How is alcohol absorption slowed?
Fatty in foods
