Alcohol-related disorders account for an enormous part of the global mortality and morbidity, with most patients being treated in gastroenterology. For this book, a team of internationally renowned experts has contributed state-of-the-art reviews on alcohol-related epidemiology, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas as well as the question of how to guide alcoholics psychologically. The first paper evaluates epidemiological data on the impact of alcohol consumption on total morbidity and mortality. This is followed by a critical appraisal of the effect of moderate drinking on the risk and pathophysiological mechanisms of gastrointestinal diseases and of certain health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. An assessment of available animal models to explain the latest findings in basic alcohol research is followed by a discussion of the effects of alcohol on the various parts of the gastrointestinal system, with special emphasis on the pancreas and liver. Reviews of the well-known association between alcohol consumption and increased risk of cancer and a discussion on how best to care for alcoholics in view of the presented research advances conclude this volume. For those interested in alcohol-related epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, pathophysiology, clinical aspects and the treatment of alcohol-induced diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas, this publication contains a wealth of information.

This book covers all aspects of gastrointestinal tract problems caused by alcohol misuse. Opening chapters discuss epidemiology and the metabolism of alcohol and the liver's role in that process. Alcohol and acetaldehyde dehydrogenases, free radicals, and endocrine changes are discussed in detail. Recent advances in the pathophysiology of alcohol-induced disorders are summarized and many chapters detail techniques such as permeability and protein synthesis. Effects on specific organs, including the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, are also discussed. All contributors and both editors are internationally recognized experts in their fields.

Presents a selection of articles on the effect of alcohol use on organ function. Topics include: alcohol's effects on liver function, alcohol-related pancreatic damage, alcohol and the cardiovascular system, alcohol's contribution to compromised immunity, the hemotological complications of alcoholism, the endocrine system and alcohol-related hormonal imbalances, impairments of brain and behavior, alcohol's role in gastrointestinal tract disorders, and alcohol's impact on kidney function. Diagrams.

A compendium of descriptive statistics on digestive diseases in the U.S. Each chapter provides analyses of primary data from recent, large U.S. surveys as well as interpretative review of the known epidemiology of each disease or condition. Covers: infectious diarrheas; viral hepatitis; esophageal, colorectal, liver & pancreatic cancer; hemorrhoids; peptic ulcer; constipation; gallstones; inflammatory bowel diseases; pancreatitis; & many more. Also discusses cost of digestive diseases in the U.S.; ICD-9-CM & ICD-10 Digestive Disease Codes.

The gastrointestinal tract is the most important of the three major routes of entry (and clearance) of xenobiotics and biologic entities into the bodies of mammals. As such, it is also the major route for administration of pharmaceuticals to humans. Gastrointestinal Toxicology, Second Edition describes the mechanism for entry and clearance of xenobiotics, as well as the barriers, immunologic and metabolic issues, and functions present in the GI tract. Appearing in this volume are also considerations of the microbiome and its actions and influence on the function of the GI tract and on the toxicity and pharmacodynamics of ingested substances (including nutrients, toxins, and therapeutics). These fifteen chapters written by experienced experts in the field address methods to evaluate GI function; specifics of GI function and toxicity assessment in canines and minipigs; classes of compounds with their toxicity; species differences; and the toxicity (and promise) of nanoparticles. Those needing to understand the structure, function, and methods of studying the GI tract will find this volume a singular source of reference.

Toxicology of the Gastrointestinal Tract focuses on the specifics of the mechanisms and adverse effects of xenobiotic agents and pharmaceuticals on the structure and function of the GI tract. The book focuses on a number of specific areas of intestinal research. Beginning with the well-recognized and major functions of nutrient absorption and its r

Alcohol abuse ranks among the most common and also the most severe environmental hazards to human health. Its significance is heightened by the possibility of prevention by elimination of the habit, however, rarely exerted. The incidence of deleterious effects on human health has relentlessly risen in the past years for a variety of factors. They include migration of populations and, particularly, increased urbanization. Thus, in some parts of the world, population groups previously spared have become involved, which is also re flected in the increasing number of breweries and distilleries in the developing countries. Social, religious, and gender-related barriers to alcohol consumption are loosening, and the financial improvement of some segments of populations now enable them to buy alcoholic beverages. Thus the greatest percentage rise in the United States has recently been in black women. Adolescents and young people drink more alcoholic beverages than ever, and growing alcohol abuse by pregnant women has let to an increase of the incidence of the fetal alcohol syndrome. While the social and behavioral, including psychiatric, consequences of alcoholism are staggering, the gastrointestinal and, particularly, hepatic manifestations are the most widespread somatic effects, and chronic hepatic disease in alcoholics appears to cause the greatest cost to society. Indeed, mortality from liver cirrhosis is considered a reliable index of alcohol consumption in a country.

Consumer health information about alcohol abuse, addiction, and related health effects, with facts about treatment and recovery. Includes index, glossary of related terms, and other resources.