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Roundworms can help identify the causes of alcohol addiction
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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It is known that not all people are prone to developing an addiction to alcoholic beverages, even if they drink regularly. At Virginia Commonwealth University, a group of scientists decided to conduct a study to determine the causes that lead to alcohol addiction.
For their experiments, the experts chose roundworms. According to experts, this type of worm will help determine the causes of alcohol addiction in humans, since the genetic structure of people and this type of worm is very similar.
The research team believed that some experiments could help to find out at what point a person begins to develop alcohol dependence and what contributes to it.
Researchers studied the SWI/SNF protein complex, which plays an important role in the development of alcohol addiction in humans. As a result, it was found that genetic changes in this complex are directly related to the formation of alcohol addiction. At the same time, scientists found that this mechanism works in both worms and humans.
Today, the work of specialists is aimed at a detailed study of the structure of roundworms, as well as at finding out which genes are subject to mutation and lead to alcohol addiction. According to the research group, if they manage to find the mutation gene, it will help in developing an effective drug to help cope with alcohol addiction.
Another research group from Russia recently began testing a new drug that scientists believe will effectively help overcome the painful craving for alcohol. The new drug is called Odelepran, and experts are confident in its high effectiveness. Clinical trials of the new drug are currently underway at the Mental Health Research Institute in Tomsk, and according to preliminary data, Odelepran helps reduce cravings for alcohol by 30%.
The principle of the new drug is based on blocking opioid receptors. These receptors stimulate the feeling of pleasure after drinking alcohol. People with alcohol addiction gradually stop experiencing pleasure after drinking alcohol after taking the drug, thereby reducing their craving for alcohol. Odelepran allows you to control the amount of alcohol by reducing your craving for it.
At the Tomsk Research Institute, the effectiveness of a new drug is currently being assessed, which is being tested in the process of treating the main stages of alcohol addiction using a specific patient as an example, including the stage of alcohol abuse and the development of addiction.
According to the research group's plans, if the tests go well, Odelepran could appear on the market as early as 2017. The specialists are currently recruiting volunteers for the experiment. All participants will be able to undergo free outpatient treatment for alcohol addiction; the scientists guarantee anonymity and complete confidentiality.
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