During the holiday season, many people indulge themselves and enjoy a few heart-warming alcoholic beverages. For some, however, it’s more than just relaxation, but an uncontrollable behavior. Recent research has found that problematic alcohol use (PAU) may be closely related to genes.
The study, a collaboration between the VA Connecticut Medical Center and Yale University, examined the genetic profiles of more than one million people, covering a variety of ethnic groups including Europe, Africa, Latin America, East Asia and South Asia. Researchers were surprised to find that the genetic structure of PAU is surprisingly similar between different ethnic groups, which may provide a new perspective for understanding PAU.
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Well, you may ask, what does this have to do with our drinking? In fact, excessive alcohol use can lead to more than just awkward party moments; it’s also a leading cause of more than 200 illnesses and injuries. This means that while you’re indulging in glass after glass of wine over the holidays, your genes may be secretly at work.
This study not only provides insight into the genetic basis of PAU but also identifies new risk genes. Dr. Hang Zhou of Yale School of Medicine said this could aid research into future treatments and may even point to new uses for some existing drugs.
Investigation of the genetic basis of polygenic risk matching
AD (Please continue reading this article) Many people may enjoy a few drinks during the festive season, but new research suggests those with alcohol use problems may be genetically predisposed to do so. (Photo/Shutterstock)
The most interesting part is that the researchers discovered so-called “polygenetic risk scores” (PRS), which can predict an individual’s genetic predisposition to PAU. Think about it, this is like a biological warning system that tells you that you may fall in love with alcohol because of your genes.
Of course, the research team emphasizes that these findings are not yet sufficient for clinical application. But it does open the door to a deeper understanding of alcohol’s effects on the human body, particularly at a genetic level.
So the next time you raise a toast at a holiday party, maybe consider that your genes may be quietly at work behind it all. This research not only provides us with new knowledge, but also reminds us that while enjoying the joy of the holidays, we should also pay attention to our drinking behavior. After all, although alcohol is good, don’t be greedy!
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First picture source: DALL●E
Image source: Shutterstockcc By4.0
Reference papers:
1.Multi-ancestry study of the genetics of problematic alcohol use in over 1 million individuals《Nature Medicine》
Further reading:
2023-12-26 09:05:23
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