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Detrimental Effects of Alcohol-Induced Inflammation on Brain Health: From Neurogenesis to Neurodegeneration

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Abstract

Alcohol consumption is known to cause several brain anomalies. The pathophysiological changes associated with alcohol intoxication are mediated by various factors, most notable being inflammation. Alcohol intoxication may cause inflammation through several molecular mechanisms in multiple organs, including the brain, liver and gut. Alcohol-induced inflammation in the brain and gut are intricately connected. In the gut, alcohol consumption leads to the weakening of the intestinal barrier, resulting in bacteria and bacterial endotoxins permeating into the bloodstream. These bacterial endotoxins can infiltrate other organs, including the brain, where they cause cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Alcohol can also directly affect the brain by activating immune cells such as microglia, triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neuroinflammation. Since alcohol causes the death of neural cells, it has been correlated to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Besides, alcohol intoxication has also negatively affected neural stem cells, affecting adult neurogenesis and causing hippocampal dysfunctions. This review provides an overview of alcohol-induced brain anomalies and how inflammation plays a crucial mechanistic role in alcohol-associated pathophysiology.

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Acknowledgements

ACM acknowledges the financial supports from DBT (Grant No. BT/PR32907/MED/122/227/2019), DBT-BUILDER (Level-III) and DST-FIST-II to School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. SKA acknowledges the financial support from CSIR-HRDG, (Grant No. 09/263(1101)/2016-EMR-I) New Delhi. MHA acknowledges the financial support from ICMR-SRF (Grant No. 45/7/2019/MP/BMS) New Delhi.

Funding

Funding from DBT (BT/PR32907/MED/122/227/2019), CSIR-HRDG, (09/263(1101)/2016-EMR-I) and ICMR-SRF (45/7/2019/MP/BMS).

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Conceptualization: SKA, MHA, MRS, RS, ACM; Writing-Original draft preparation: SKA, MHA, MRS, RS; Writing-Review and editing: SKA, MHA, MRS, RS, ACM; Supervision: ACM.

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Correspondence to Amal Chandra Mondal.

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Anand, S.K., Ahmad, M.H., Sahu, M.R. et al. Detrimental Effects of Alcohol-Induced Inflammation on Brain Health: From Neurogenesis to Neurodegeneration. Cell Mol Neurobiol 43, 1885–1904 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-022-01308-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-022-01308-2

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