Main ethanol metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH I and ADH IV): biochemical functions and the physiological manifestation.

The range of the biochemical reactions which can be catalyzed by ADH I and ADH IV is extremely wide. The most characterized functions of these enzymes are protection against excess endogenous acetaldehyde, products of lipid peroxidation, exogenous alcohols and some xenobiotics. It was found also that ADH I and ADH IV are important members of the enzyme system synthesizing retinoic acid (especially during embryogenesis).