Alcohol-Mediated Organ Damages: Heart and Brain

This review highlights the harmful effects of chronic alcohol consumption on the brain and heart. Alcohol triggers inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions in cellular function, contributing to neurological disorders and heart diseases like cardiomyopathy. It impairs brain structures, causing cognitive decline and memory loss. Cytokines, especially TNF-α, play a critical role in promoting inflammation and tissue damage. The review also explores how alcohol affects the immune system and barriers like the blood-brain barrier, amplifying its detrimental effects. Understanding these pathways may lead to targeted therapies for alcohol-induced damage.

To promote brain and heart health, reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, as even moderate use can lead to long-term harm. Adopting a diet rich in antioxidants, staying physically active, and managing stress may mitigate some risks associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Given this research is a review, its findings emphasize established associations but suggest further studies are needed to develop precise interventions for those at risk.