[Alcohol and the liver].

A biologic role of ethyl alcohol is analysed. The function of the liver in alcohol metabolism (90% of the total intake) in three oxidizing systems with the use of alcohol dehydrogenase, microsomal ethanol oxidizing system, and H2O2 catalase is described. Epidemiological data are given, clinical course of the alcohol-produced lesions to the liver starting from fatty degeneration, through the acute and chronic hepatitis, alcohol-produced cirrhosis up to the primary cancer of the liver are also presented in the light of authors experience.