The primary cause of alcohol-induced liver injury is the metabolism of ethanol, the active component in alcoholic drinks. When consumed, ethanol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 2E1. This metabolic process produces acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation. The liver's ability to process alcohol is limited, leading to accumulation of toxic metabolites that damage liver cells over time.
