CYP2E1 is a central mediator for the synergistic effects of alcohol and free fatty acids on hepatocellular steatosis and inflammation

Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are the most frequent conditions leading to elevated liver enzymes and liver cirrhosis, respectively, in the Western world. However, despite strong epidemiological evidence for combined effects on the progression of liver injury, the mutual interaction of the pathophysiological mechanisms is incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro model for joint effects of alcohol and lipids on hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Herein, we particularly wanted to assess the role of CYP2E1, which is activated by several he…