Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters: A New Method to Detect Heavy Alcohol Consumption in Hair

摘要

Ethanol is metabolized via both oxidative and nonoxidative pathways. The predominant oxidative pathway results in the formation of acetaldehyde; one of the nonoxidative pathway results in the production of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). Measurable concentrations of FAEEs are normally present in the circulation of individuals who consume alcohol, and in organs damaged by alcohol abuse such as the brain and the liver. In fact, the formation of FAEEs accounts, at least in part, for the organ damage associated with chronic alcohol abuse.