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Dependence on alcohol can be treated with proteins
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Specialists from the United States made a sensational discovery, which can be the beginning in the development of new and effective methods of treatment with alcohol dependence.
As a result of the research, scientists discovered a special protein in the brain that helps reduce cravings for alcohol.
A team of specialists at one of the research universities in North Carolina found that there is a natural protein in the brain that can be used as a basis in the development of drugs for alcohol dependence. According to scientists, preparations based on such protein will be more effective than all currently used drugs.
Co-author of the new research project, Thomas Cash, commented on the work of his colleagues and explained that during the experiments, specialists determined that one of the brain components - neuropeptide Y is capable of suppressing the destructive behavior that is characteristic for people with alcohol dependence and leads to a decrease in the quality of life.
In addition, this neuropeptide is involved in the amygdala, which is responsible for both overexertion, negative emotions, etc., and for reward.
Previously, scientists have proved that the neuropeptide Y plays an important role in the formation of dependence on alcoholic beverages. Experiments on laboratory rodents have shown that mice with a low level of such proteins in the brain used alcohol less often. In other studies, other proteins have also been discovered that in one way or another affect the formation of alcohol dependence.
A research team from North Carolina came to the conclusion that the treatment of chronic forms of alcohol dependence is possible with the help of the protein they found. As already mentioned, for an addiction to alcohol meets the amygdala of the brain, whose work is stimulated by proteins that enter the body with food or drinks. Addiction to alcohol develops amid a disturbance in the work of the amygdala.
In the experiments, specialists used rodents. On the mouse model it was proved that the development of the addictive habit is connected with the above concepts.
Also, scientists found that mice with alcohol dependence quickly and easily left the state of intoxication with the regular use of foods with large amounts of protein. Rodents, who were given fatty food, experienced a so-called "hangover" more easily.
In the course of the work, scientists artificially created neuropeptides Y, which suppressed excessive cravings for alcohol in rodents.
According to experts, such a treatment can be used to change a person's unhealthy behavior, for example, the habit of getting drunk before losing consciousness.
It should be noted that all the experiments were carried out on laboratory rodents, for the application of such treatment in humans, a number of improvements and clinical trials are required. However, today, as experts have noted, every person, regardless of gender, can protect himself from the development of addiction through the use of foods high in protein. In addition, such products will help control cravings for alcoholic beverages.
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