The effects of alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity were studied in biochemical experiments in rats. The levels of serum transaminases and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly increased in ethanol-treated rats. These levels were significantly decreased in alpha-KG- and ethanol-treated rats. Further, non-enzymatic (vitamins C and E) and enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase) antioxidants were significantly decreased in ethanol-treated rats, and were increased in alpha-KG- and ethanol-treated rats. The biochemical alterations during alpha-KG treatment could be due to (i) the participation of alpha-KG in the non-enzymatic oxidative decarboxylation in the hydrogen peroxide decomposition process and (ii) enhancing the proper metabolism of fats which could suppress oxygen radical generation and thus prevent the lipid peroxidative damages in rats.