01/12/2008 12:00
Possible Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Mechanism outlined
A recent study using pregnant ewe's has highlighted a possible mechanism that underpins the symptoms seen in fetal alcohol syndrome. The research has suggested that the consumption of alcohol alters the PH to a more acidic level in both the mother and fetus. PH is important factor in the homeostasis of glutamine which is an important mediator of protein and DNA synthesis in the mammalian body along with many other important functions. The study concluded that ethanol did indeed reduce glutamine levels in the pregnant ewe which could relate to the symptoms seen in fetal alcohol syndrome patients (Ramadoss et al. 2008)
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