Does CYP450 break down alcohol? The role of the MEOS pathway
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4 min read
While the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme is the primary catalyst for ethanol metabolism, research confirms that yes, **CYP450** enzymes do play a significant role in helping **break down alcohol**, especially in cases of heavy or chronic consumption. This secondary pathway, known as the Microsomal Ethanol-Oxidizing System (MEOS), relies heavily on the specific enzyme CYP2E1.