Microsomal ethanol oxidizing system

As Microsomal ethanol - oxidizing system ( MEOS ) is called a vendor independent of the alcohol dehydrogenase pathway of ethanol metabolism in the liver cells.

It was first described by Lieber and DeCarli 1968. In chronic alcohol consumption, the MEOS is induced and builds next to the original alcohol dehydrogenase from alcohol. Thus it is a fundamental mechanism of the development of tolerance to the substance. The activity of the MEOS is associated with activation of cytochrome P450 2E1. By MEOS and induced by it Cytochrome the metabolism of other substances can be reduced or shifted to toxic metabolites. This explains, for example, adverse drug reactions of chronic alcohol abusers. In addition, the MEOS interferes with the fat metabolism of the liver cells and is also seen as a cause of the development of fatty liver.

MEOS has a memory function, that is, when again alcohol is drunk by alcoholics (after withdrawal and pause), MEOS is automatically generated and the reduction is due to MEOS very quickly. The pressure to drink more, is reinforced by the fact and the relapse with even larger amounts is programmed.