Brains of chronic alcoholics have reduced dopamine release – leading to heavy drinking
‘Adeno-associated virus brain transplant’ – enhanced dopamine, reduced alcohol consumption by more than 90%
Due to permanent brain changes, actual application needs review
The biggest problem with addiction treatment is the difficulty in maintaining abstinence. In particular, it is important to continue sobriety with professional treatment for alcoholism, which adversely affects not only oneself but also the family and society. But recently, a study has emerged showing that conventional gene therapy can reduce alcohol intake. Could this discovery open up a new horizon for alcohol addiction treatment?
Heavy drinker / Photo source – Pripic
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of alcoholics in Korea is 1,526,841 as of 2020, 1,505,390 in 2018 and 1,517,679 in 2019, increasing by about 10,000 per year. When alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are added together, the number of people with alcohol use disorder rises significantly.
In this regard, the possibility that severe alcoholism can be treated with conventional methods is welcome news, amidst the continuing incidents and accidents that lead to the destruction of individuals, families and society, such as violence and death while drunk, and drunk driving.
Gene therapy currently used to treat Parkinson’s disease dramatically reduces heavy drinking in people with alcohol use disorder, according to a paper published in Nature Medicine by researchers from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and institutions across the United States. Reduced.
Dr. Kathleen Grant, Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Oregon National Center for Primate Research, OHSU. (Photo. OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)
Co-lead author Kathleen Grant, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Neuroscience at the Oregon Primate National Research Center (ONPRC), said, “Acute alcohol use increases dopamine, but the brains of chronic alcoholics experience reduced dopamine release and greater pleasure.” It induces excessive drinking for the sake of it.”
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the role of the ‘reward center’ and ‘reward seeking’ in bodily functions such as memory, movement, motivation, mood, and attention. Low dopamine levels can reduce motivation, while high levels can be associated with addiction and impulsiveness.
In monkeys who drank large amounts of ethanol diluted in water, the research team injected a specific type of molecule that induces cell growth into the brain region where dopamine is located. The implanted adeno-associated virus is a single-stranded DNA virus that is harmless to the target and has a gene encoding a protein known as glial nerve growth factor (GDNF). This process consequently enhanced dopamine.
Permanent dopamine enhancement, reduction of drinking by more than 90%
The results were dramatic. The transplanted monkeys consumed more than 90% less alcohol than the control group. The monkeys had not drank at all for several months, and their blood alcohol levels were unrecordable.
This procedure is used to treat adult patients with Parkinson’s disease and other rare genetic disorders that cause movement difficulties. However, as it is a method of changing the brain through surgery, there may be limitations in practical application.
Parkinson’s disease GDNF surgery image capture / photo source – parkinsons.org.uk
Dr. Grant was encouraging that “monkeys treated with this gene permanently began to overexpress dopamine and significantly reduced their drinking,” but that the method “would be suitable for people with the most severe form of alcohol use disorder who have failed all conventional treatments.” ‘.
Alcohol use disorder is an ‘addiction’ disease that is difficult to treat on its own, along with drugs, games, gambling, and pornography. If alcohol causes self-control problems, physical problems, or problems in family or social life, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment at a professional institution.
Chemical News Reporter Park Chan-seo
Chemistry is everywhere. Copyright © Chemical News Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited
2023-09-05 23:10:00
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