/View.info/ Science has come close to creating a drug against alcohol intoxication. To do this, it is proposed to use a hormone that is produced in the liver when ethanol enters. In laboratory experiments, after the injection, signs of intoxication quickly disappeared in mice.
“Anti-alcohol” hormone
Scientists have long been trying to develop a cure for alcohol poisoning. And for this purpose, natural defense mechanisms that are activated at the molecular level are being studied. Entering the body in large doses, ethyl alcohol begins to act as a poison – it disrupts blood circulation, has a strong effect on the brain and other organs.
Long before humans could make wine and distill alcohol, animals were already exposed to alcohol when they ate sweet, fermented fruits. Therefore, in the course of evolution, mammals have developed enzymes that break down ethanol, which is formed during fermentation from fructose and other simple sugars.
In 2018, biologists from the University of Copenhagen in experiments with mice found that alcohol promotes the production of the hormone FGF21 (fibroplast growth factor 21) in the liver of animals. It prevents dehydration from ethanol poisoning by stimulating water intake and helping to avoid liver damage.
Experiments with rodents and primates show that FGF21 generally suppresses alcohol cravings by acting on a specific population of brain neurons. Monkeys injected with the hormones drank 50 percent less than those given the same access to alcohol.
However, it is not yet known whether FGF21 can be used as a drug for intoxication.
Neuronal response
In a new study, scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have shown that this hormone plays an important role in reversing the harmful effects of ethanol exposure. It not only participates in the metabolism of alcohol, but also sends a signal to the brain to start a biochemical reaction to protect against intoxication.
“The results indicate that the brain is the primary site of action of FGF21,” said biochemist David Mangelsdorff in a press release. “We are now studying in more detail the neural pathways through which FGF21 exerts its sobering effect.”
The authors created a line of laboratory mice lacking FGF21. They took twice as long to recover from ethanol exposure. They have preserved signs of impaired consciousness and loss of balance longer than the individuals from the control group. Conversely, additional injections of the “anti-alcohol” hormone accelerated the “recovery” process. At the same time, alcohol degradation reactions in all animals occur at the same rate.
Further analysis showed that FGF21 crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts on receptors in a specific part of the brain called the locus coeruleus. This area produces norepinephrine, a hormone called the “mediator of wakefulness.” It regulates vigilance, is responsible for waking up from sleep and emergency mobilization of the body (the so-called “fight or flight” reaction).
In general, alcohol suppresses neural activity in the locus coeruleus and norepinephrine production. Hence – drowsiness and loss of muscle coordination. The hormone FGF21 blocks this reaction. The scientists tested whether it would work in the same way when exposed to the central nervous system with other drugs that have a relaxing effect, such as ketamine, diazepam or pentobarbital. But FGF21 turned out to be effective only against ethanol.
Cure for drunkenness
Humans also have FGF21 family proteins. They are secreted by the liver and are involved in many biological processes – from embryonic growth and regeneration to tumor development – and through neural circuits regulate the intake of sweet foods.
Genome-wide studies have found a significant increase in plasma FGF21 levels in humans after chronic alcohol consumption. The experiment was conducted during Oktoberfest in Germany.
Scientists are almost certain that in humans this hormone, as well as in mice, stimulates the production of norepinephrine, and in the future, based on FGF21, it is possible to create a fast-acting drug that relieves the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and protects the liver. However, further research is needed to confirm this.
The safety of the FGF21 protein for use as a drug has already been proven. In particular, it has been tested to treat obesity and diabetes.
Bad morning
Studies show that only five percent of people are resistant to alcohol. The rest, the next day after a stormy holiday, experience all the symptoms of a hangover. The main one is dehydration: alcohol suppresses the production of antidiuretic hormone, prevents the kidneys from absorbing water and leads to overproduction of urine.
When dehydration reaches a critical level, the liver begins to signal this – to intensively produce the hormone FGF21, which activates the neural connections responsible for the feeling of thirst. But scientists recommend not to come to this, but to help the body in advance.
In order to restore the internal systems and organs faster after alcohol intoxication, biologists advise drinking more liquid – about one glass for each serving of alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, energy drinks, juices or chicken broth are not suitable.
You can drink mineral water, especially with a high sodium content. It is even more correct to prepare a solution that is as close as possible in terms of electrolyte properties to physiological fluids. To do this, you need to dilute two tablespoons of sugar and three quarters of a teaspoon of salt in one liter of water.
Without special recommendations, it is best not to use vitamin or mineral supplements. Aspirin or paracetamol should be treated with caution. There is no conclusive evidence that these drugs help fight hangovers. But there is evidence that taking them in combination with alcohol can lead to stomach bleeding and liver damage.
There is another simple and quick method that does not require drugs at all. Canadian scientists have proven that alcohol leaves through the lungs three times faster than through the liver.
The technique of hyperventilation – deep and rapid breathing – to relieve hangover symptoms has been known to doctors for a long time. But it is of limited use. During forced exhalation, a person loses a lot of carbon dioxide and this can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness.
Translation: V. Sergeev
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