Involvement of AMPK in Alcohol Dehydrogenase Accentuated Myocardial Dysfunction Following Acute Ethanol Challenge in Mice

Authors: Rui Guo, Glenda I. Scott, Jun Ren

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011268

Abstract Summary

Binge drinking impairs heart function, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study reveals that alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme worsens ethanol-induced cardiac damage in mice. ADH overexpression intensified alcohol’s harmful effects on heart contraction, calcium regulation, and glucose metabolism through disruption of AMPK energy-sensing pathways—suggesting ADH plays a key role in acute alcohol cardiotoxicity.

Why Brain? 🧠

Binge drinking impairs heart function through alcohol dehydrogenase and AMPK signaling pathways, suggesting new therapeutic targets for alcohol-induced cardiac damage in heavy drinkers.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.