Alcohol promotes accumulation of fat in the liver mainly by substitution of ethanol for fatty
acids as the major hepatic fuel. The degree of lipid accumulation depends on the supply of
dietary fat. Progressive alteration of the mitochondria, which occurs during chronic alcohol
consumption, decreases fatty acid oxidation by interfering with citric acid cycle activity. This
block is partially compensated for by increased ketone body production, which results in
ketonemia. Thus, mitochondrial damage perpetuates fatty acid accumulation even in the …