Gene identified to treat alcoholism: study

New York: Researchers have identified a gene that could be a new target for the development of drugs to prevent and treat alcoholism, according to a new study on the mouse. Researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) in the United States discovered a gene that had a lower expression in the brains of non-human primates that voluntarily consumed large amounts of alcohol compared to those who drank less. .

In addition, the team revealed a link between alcohol and how it modulates the activity levels of that particular gene. The researchers found that, when they increased levels of the gene coding for a protein in mice, they reduced alcohol consumption by up to 50% without affecting the total amount of fluid consumed or their well-being. to be general.

The study altered the levels of the protein encoded by a single gene called GPR39. Prevalence rates for concomitant mood and alcohol use disorders are high, with people with alcohol use disorder being 3.7 times more likely to suffer from major depression than those with a history of alcohol abuse. 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, showed the results of the drug. 39, a study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

"The study underscores the importance of using interspecies approaches to identify and test drugs relevant to the treatment of alcoholism disorder," said lead author Rita Cervera -Juanes, Assistant Research Professor at ONPRC.