
Rita Cervera-Juanes, Ph.D. (OHSU)
New research conducted at OHSU in Portland, Oregon, identifies a gene that could provide a new target for developing medication to prevent and treat alcoholism.
Scientists at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at OHSU discovered a gene that had lower expression in the brains of nonhuman primates that voluntarily consumed heavy amounts of alcohol compared with those that drank less.
Furthermore, the research team unraveled a link between alcohol and how it modulates the levels of activity of this particular gene. Researchers discovered that when they increased the levels of the gene encoded protein in mice, they reduced alcohol consumption by almost 50 percent without affecting the total amount of fluid consumed or their overall well-being.
The study was recently published online in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.
The study modified the levels of the protein encoded by a single gene – GPR39 – which is a zinc-binding receptor previously associated with depression. The prevalence rates of co-occurring mood and alcohol use disorders are high, with individuals with alcohol use disorder being 3.7 times more likely to have major depression than those who do not abuse alcohol. Using a commercially available substance that mimics the activity of the GPR39 protein, the researchers found that targeting this gene dramatically reduced alcohol consumption in mice.
“The study highlights the importance of using cross-species approaches to identify and test relevant drugs for the treatment of alcohol use disorder,” said senior author Rita Cervera-Juanes, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in the divisions of Neuroscience and Genetics at ONPRC.
To determine whether the same mechanism affects people, this team of researchers is now examining postmortem tissue samples from the brains of people who suffered from alcoholism.
Currently, there are only a handful of treatments for alcoholism approved by the Food and Drug Administration. By testing the effect of the substance in reducing ethanol consumption in mice – in addition to its previously reported link in reducing depression-like symptoms – the findings may point the way toward developing a drug that both prevents and treats chronic alcoholism and mood disorders in people.
“We are finding novel targets for which there are drugs already available, and they can be repurposed to treat other ailments,” Cervera-Juanes said. “For alcoholism, this is huge because there are currently only a handful of FDA-approved drugs.”
Learn more: Study identifies new target to prevent, treat alcoholism
The Latest on: Alcoholism
[google_news title=”” keyword=”alcoholism” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Alcoholism
- These LA Comedians Prove ‘Sober Comedy’ Isn’t An Oxymoronon June 1, 2023 at 12:30 pm
A new comedy show in Santa Monica looks to flip the alcohol-forward comedy venue dynamic. It features sober comics joking about sobriety in a sober-friendly space, the first Sunday of every month.
- Director Manoj K. Varghese dispels rumours about late actor Harish Pengan’s alcoholism, shares a clarification noteon June 1, 2023 at 1:13 am
Director-line producer Manoj K. Varghese dispels rumors surrounding the recent passing of popular Mollywood actor Harish Pengan. Taking a stand, Vargh ...
- Court Affirmed a Judgment That a Will Was Invalid Due to Mental Incapacityon May 31, 2023 at 10:29 pm
In Mittelsted v. Meriwether, the decedent changed his will and beneficiary designations on bank accounts to leave everything to his half-brother. No. 14-21-00755-CV, 2023 Tex. App. LEXIS 1020 (Te ...
- After battle with alcoholism, A’s player and San Jose native gets sober, realizes MLB dreamon May 29, 2023 at 10:35 pm
OAKLAND – Lucas Erceg wasn’t sure if this moment would ever arrive. The San Jose native and Menlo College alum played in the minor leagues for close to six years, never rising above Triple-A as a ...
- See Shocking Revelation Rigathi Gachagua Made Today about His Battle with Alcoholismon May 29, 2023 at 1:55 am
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recounted his love for the bottle while speaking during a conference on ending substance abuse in the Rift-Valley region.
- Ozempic May Reduce the Desire for Alcohol and Help Curb Other Addictive Behaviors, Users 'Have Less Desire'on May 27, 2023 at 1:18 am
Scientists are researching whether drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can potentially help patients with alcoholism and other addictive behaviors Vanessa Etienne is an Emerging Content Writer-Reporter ...
- Simon Pegg Hid Alcoholism on ‘Mission: Impossible’ Set: ‘You Learn How to Do It Without Anyone Noticing’on May 14, 2023 at 4:23 am
Simon Pegg has opened up about his personal struggles, revealing that he concealed his alcoholism while working on the set of “Mission: Impossible III” in the 2000’s. The actor discussed the ...
- What to Know About Hypnosis for Alcoholismon May 9, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Hypnosis isn’t magic, even if it's sometimes presented that way — it can’t cure alcoholism on its own, but hypnotherapy can make a useful addition to a treatment plan for alcohol use ...
- 20 Best CBD Gummies for Alcoholism in 2023on May 8, 2023 at 9:00 pm
CBD oil has also been shown to be helpful for people who are trying to quit alcohol. In this article, we will discuss 20 of the best CBD gummies for alcoholism in 2022. While CBD alone cannot manage ...
- The Aftereffects of Alcoholism: Alcoholic Neuropathyon May 4, 2023 at 5:00 pm
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process. Alcohol can be toxic to nerve tissue. People ...
via Bing News