CARCINOGENIC AND MUTAGENIC EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON THE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction and objective: This article is a literature review that aims to discuss the relationship between excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and the fact that it increases the chances of developing cancer of the mouth, pharynx and larynx when compared to the normal population. . Associated with this, the antioxidant effects of wine as a prevention of this type of cancer are cited; however, in general, there is no scientific evidence regarding this statement. Discussion: Cancer being the result of genetic modifications, which cause uncontrolled proliferation, differentiation and cell death, depends on initiating or mutagenic effects, such as chemical substances. Therefore, alcohol and its influence on carcinogenesis varies depending on the type and consumption of alcoholic beverages and worsens when associated with other habits. However, the total amount of alcohol consumed and the duration of this habit are more significant than the type of drink that was consumed. Methods: A bibliographical survey was carried out in the Scielo, PubMed, NCBI, Revista Arquivos Médicos do ABC and Europe PMC databases. The keywords “alcohol”, “cancer”, “neoplasms”, “upper gastrointestinal tract”, “alcoholism”, “oral cavity” and “upper digestive” were used. 9 articles were selected and after reading the entire body of the text, only 7 addressed the topic. Results: The literature indicates that, according to the analysis of meta-nucleated cells from alcoholics with oral carcinomas, alcohol is more associated with tumors of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. Furthermore, alcohol can influence proliferative cells via intracellular and intercellular pathways, which causes carcinogenic exposure of proliferating stem cells in the basal layer. Final considerations: The association of cancer in the upper gastrointestinal tract has been studied in recent years and it has been proven that the risks increase due to the association with smoking, poor oral hygiene, immunological and nutritional disorders.