The role of cytochrome P4502E1 in ethanol mediated diseases: a narrative update.

This article focuses on the role of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), an enzyme within the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily, in ethanol metabolism and its contribution to alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD) and alcohol-mediated cancer (AMC). CYP2E1 is induced by chronic alcohol consumption, leading to enhanced metabolism of ethanol and various xenobiotics, increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activation of procarcinogens, all of which contribute to oxidative stress, liver injury, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. Experimental studies demonstrate that inhibition or genetic knockout of CYP2E1 reduces liver damage and fibrosis, while human studies show that CYP2E1 inhibition improves liver enzyme markers in AALD patients. The article underscores the significance of CYP2E1 in the pathogenesis of AALD and AMC and highlights the need for safe, long-acting CYP2E1 inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents.