Alcoholic-induced hepatic steatosis-role of ceramide and protein phosphatase 2A

The mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis are complex, involving the disturbance of several signaling pathways. We have gained a better understanding of the role of the innate immune system in the liver and its effects on lipid metabolism and uncovered a number of circulating factors that can influence the response of the liver to ethanol. In this report, we will focus on the potential role of ceramide on AMP-activated protein kinase, as a mediator of alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis. (Translational Research 2011;158:77-81)