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The efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation was compared between rats chronically fed with ethanol and controls. (i) Results showed that the liver mitochondria state 4 respiratory rate was strongly inhibited, while the corresponding proton-motive force was not affected; (ii) the cytochrome oxidase content and activity were decreased and (iii) the oxidative-phosphorylation yield was increased in the ethanol exposed group. Furthermore, oxidative phosphorylation at coupling site II was not affected by ethanol. Cytochrome oxidase inhibition by sodium-azide mimicked the effects of ethanol intoxication in control mitochondria. This indicates that the decrease in cytochrome oxidase activity induced by ethanol intoxication directly increases the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation.

Introduction: The relationship between alcohol use and dementia is complex. There is a J-shaped relationship between alcohol use and cognitive impairment and evidence shows that onequarter of the dementia population have alcohol related problems. It is estimated that alcohol-related dementia (ARD) contributes for about 10% of all cases of dementia, especially earlyonset dementia, but is largely overlooked or seen as a comorbid factor. Objectives: To clarify the relationship between alcohol use, alcohol-related brain damage and dementia; to review the clinical features, neuropathology, nosology and neuropsychology of ARD and alcohol-induced persisting amnestic syndrome (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome-WKS). Methods: We performed a review of systematic reviews from the last 10 years. A total of 28 systematic reviews were identified. Results: Heavy alcohol use has been shown to be a contributory factor and necessary factor in the development of multiple brain diseases. It may cause brain damage in multiple ways: direct neurotoxic effect of acetaldehyde; thiamine deficiency. It is also a risk factor for other conditions, such as hepatic encephalopathy, epilepsy and head injury. Conclusions: Clinical observation favors the diagnosis of ADR as a distinct entity, but broader evidence reflects significant commonality between ARD and WKS, tough neuropsychological studies have largely attempted to differentiate these syndromes. Repeated episodes of WKS may cause cognitive deterioration. In contrast to other common causes of dementia, the decline in cognitive functioning in ARD is relatively non-progressive if abstinence is maintained, or even partially reversible, as supported by neuroimaging evidence. Given the increase in per capita consumption, it is expected a disproportionate increase in ARD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Disulfiram is an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor that is useful in maintaining abstinence from alcohol in patients of alcohol dependence syndrome. Disulfiram metabolism is complex and although generally safe, documented adverse effects include encephalopathy, convulsion, cranial and peripheral neuropathy, irreversible injury to the basal ganglia with permanent neurological deficits, and drug-induced psychosis. Many case-studies on disulfiram have been reported, and only one study reported disulfiram causing seizures with convulsions. Objectives: To report a rare case of disulfiram-induced seizures in a patient of alcohol dependence syndrome. Methods: Non-systematic review from Pubmed-database. Results: A 47-year-old-male patient dependent on alcohol for almost 10 years with history of chronic hepatic disease was hospitalized for alcohol detoxification. He was admitted with an average of alcohol consumption of 3 lt per day, with symptoms of abstinence. He was detoxified in the hospital for alcohol dependence and was instituted with disulfiram 250 mg at tenth day of hospitalization. On the same day it was observed one episode of generalised tonic-clonic seizures. It was administrated 10mg of intramuscular diazepam and the patient was transferred to the emergency department where a second episode was observed. There was past history of multiple drugs use. No abnormalities were found on physical examination and neurological examination. Disulfiram was discontinued and increased benzodiazepine dose, then there was no further history of seizures. Aditional investigations were all within normal limits. Conclusions: In addition to the physical symptoms associated with concomitant use of alcohol, disulfiram may lead to adverse reactions, including seizures, which are rare but needs to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prenatal alcohol exposure can have a negative impact on a child's neurocognitive development. Still, about 16% of European women maintain alcohol consumption, even after knowing they are pregnant. Several studies have shown that alcohol use patterns alter drastically during pregnancy. However, little is known about how these change in women with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) diagnosis. Objectives: To understand the impact of pregnancy on alcohol use patterns in women at high risk or with previous AUD diagnosis. Methods: Bibliographic research was made through the PubMed/NCBI database. No time limit was specified on the search. Pertinent manuscripts were individually reviewed for additional relevant citations. Results: Several factors influence alcohol consumption during pregnancy, including financial status, educational level, and high levels of psychological stress. Although older age at the onset of pregnancy is deemed a risk factor for alcohol consumption, women of 25 or fewer years of age are at higher risk for AUD, as are those with a history of criminal behaviour and family history of AUD. Pregnancy seems to play a critical role in altering alcohol use patterns, reducing the risk of AUD in about 70%, regardless of pregnancy trimester. This is seen even in women who present highrisk factors for AUD. Conclusions: Pregnancy presents itself as a behavioural change promoter and should be regarded as a window of opportunity for intervention in women with AUD. However, there are few studies that focus on alcohol consumption patterns specifically in women with AUD, whereby making it necessary to extrapolate the available data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic hasmany implications, one of thembeing alcohol consumption. The impact of longterm distancing measures in terms of alcohol use and misuse is yet unknown. Any increase, would not only add to the usual disease burden associated with alcohol, but also add to the COVID-19 load, given that alcohol use may weaken the immune response. Objectives: To characterize and compare the pattern of alcohol consumption throughout the pandemic in patients with the diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder; to identify factors considered as most relevant in the increase of alcohol consumption. Methods: We conducted a observational study in an outpatient population in Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa (Portugal) with diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder, 6 months after the pandemic lockdown. We characterized our sample regarding social, demographic and clinical categories. We applied auto-filled questionnaires, particularly: Mental Health Inventory (MHI), Positive Mental Health Scale (PMHS) and Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ-C). Results: A total of 65 patients were included. More than 30% changed their drinking habits because of the pandemic. Nearly half of these increased consumption, and half decreased (16% vs 14%). The increase affected particularly men, and was related with the severity of alcohol dependence, stress-related coping strategies and psycopathology; on the other hand, a lowered level of consumption based on the decrease of alcohol accessability and affordability. Conclusions: The current situation is unique in terms of mass physical distancing and may trigger different behaviours that should be monitored. Governments should give public health warning about excessive alcohol consumption to protect vulnerable individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic that is a dopamine and serotonin receptor partial agonist is currently approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant major depression. It is also commonly prescribed for disorders associated with problems with impulse control. Recent evidence showed that dopaminergic mechanisms are involved in motivation, reward, and reinforcement of substance abuse. Given this, Aripiprazole is a potential candidate for treatment of different types of substance dependence, including Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). Objectives: To review the role of aripiprazole as a therapeutic agent in AUD. Methods: Pubmed search with MeSH terms: "Aripiprazole", "Alcoholic Intoxication", "Alcoholism". Search was restricted to articles written in English, without temporal limitation. Total of 27 results; 22 articles selected. Results: Aripiprazole has been proved to be safe and well tolerated, even among those with active drinking. It has been associated with a possible modulation of circuits associated with alcohol reward and craving, therefore posing as a possible therapeutic agent in the promotion of alcohol abstinence and reduction of alcohol seeking behaviour, particularly in those with high impulsivity, alcoholrelated anxiety/low mood and anhedonia. Conclusions: Given aripiprazole's pharmacodynamic signature it might prove to be beneficial for conditions in which dysregulation of reward and impulsivity, among them AUD, are a core feature. Scientific research seems promising, nevertheless due to the current lack of large randomized controlled studies a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn for the role of Aripiprazole in AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]