*2.3.3. Transcription factors*

They are the first signaling proteins which are regulated through sensitive cysteine residues, which need to be reduced to its function. Earlier studies showed that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is responsible for the activation of NF*κ*B [53]. Later *in vitro* studies showed that exogenous hydrogen peroxide is responsible for NF*κ*B activation [54]. In the cortex, one study reported activation of NF*κ*B in chronically alcoholized rats [55]. It was quite clear that NF*κ*B was down-regulated in comparison to acute alcohol drinking. One study showed no NF*κ*B activation in binge alcohol drinking models, when given anti-oxidants (furosemide and butylatedhydroxytoluene) to prevent neuronal degeneration [56].
