Oxidative stress is suggested to play a key role in the development of alcoholic liver injury. We investigated the induction of oxidative damage in association with changes in hepatic concentrations of sulfur-containing substances in mice challenged with binge-like ethanol administration. Also the protective effect of dietary betaine against ethanol-induced liver injury was determined. Serum alanine aminotransferase activity, TNF alpha level, and hepatic malondialdehyde level were increased significantly by ethanol administration. Hepatic Cyp2e1 was induced to 250% of control. Ethanol administration decreased hepatic S-adenosylmethionine, cysteine, and glutathione, but elevated hypotaurine and taurine levels. Betaine supplied in drinking water for 2 weeks attenuated the induction of alcoholic liver injury and Cyp2e1 significantly. Reduction of hepatic S-adenosylmethionine and glutathione was alleviated, and elevation of hypotaurine and taurine was depressed. The results suggest that betaine may protect the liver against ethanol-induced oxidative injury most probably via its effects on the sulfur-amino acid metabolism. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.