Alcoholism And Epigenetics - E-book - ePub

Acute and chronic exposure to ethanol involves epigenetic variations in specific neuronal circuits of the amygdala, brain region responsible for emotions, satiety, aggressiveness and consolidation of memories. Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages alters the levels of gene expression in the amygdaloid neuronal circuits, through epigenetic variations such as DNA methylation and posttranslational modifications of histones, causing behavioral changes in alcohol consumption habits related to tolerance and dependence on this drug.
Alcohol is a neurotoxic substance related to more than 60 different types of diseases. The present book analyzes, in a clear and simple way, the health problems induced by the excessive consumption of ethanol.