Researchers found that adding interleukin-6 to the preservative solution before transplantation significantly increased post-transplant survival of rats receiving organs with fatty degeneration. The treatment reduced cell death and improved liver function in steatotic livers, suggesting a promising strategy for addressing organ shortages.
Research found that alcohol consumption increases hepatitis C virus replication by upregulating nuclear factor kappa B, a key cellular regulator of immune pathways. Alcohol also inhibits the anti-HCV effect of interferon-alpha therapy. Treatment with naltrexone abolishes alcohol actions.
A recent mouse study identified a compound, NAPVSIPQ, that protects embryos from alcohol-induced toxicity by blocking the effects of ethanol on the L1 cell adhesion molecule. This finding suggests a new target for medication development to prevent fetal alcohol damage.
Researchers discovered a correlation between a specific genetic variation in the COMT gene and higher levels of anxiety in women. Women with the COMT Met158/Met158 genotype tended to exhibit increased anxiety symptoms, as well as altered brain wave patterns associated with anxiety disorders.
Researchers found that specific genetic variants, such as the val158met polymorphism in the COMT gene, influence an individual's sensitivity to pain. This genetic variation affects brain regions involved in pain perception and emotional regulation, leading to increased pain ratings and a more negative internal state.
Researchers found a link between alcohol intake and endocannabinoid-like brain compounds in mice, suggesting a potential target for medication development. The study's findings parallel observations in humans, with age-dependent decline in alcohol preference and reduced CB1 receptor signaling.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that frequent light-to-moderate drinking reduces heart disease risk in men. Men who consumed alcohol three or four days a week had approximately 2/3 the risk of heart attack compared to those who drank less than once a week.
Researchers have identified two compounds, NAP and SAL, that can prevent ethanol's disruption of L1-mediated cell adhesion, a critical process for brain development. These findings bring the study of fetal alcohol syndrome closer to effective interventions.
Dopamine and ethanol act through independent mechanisms to produce a common cellular response sustaining voluntary drinking behavior in rats. The study suggests synergy between dopamine D2 and adenosine A2 receptors creates hypersensitivity to ethanol and beta gamma dimers are required for sustained drinking.
A new study reveals that college students contribute to an estimated 1,400 student deaths, 500,000 injuries, and 70,000 cases of sexual assault each year. The study proposes several strategies to prevent high-risk drinking, including increasing campus awareness campaigns, improving alcohol-free events, and providing counseling services.
Scientists have identified a specific genetic locus associated with fundamental human brain oscillations, contributing to the understanding of brain neuroelectric activity and providing new insights into alcoholism risk. The study found an association between beta EEG frequencies and a cluster of genes located on chromosome 4.
Researchers will explore neuroadaptation, reinforcement, tolerance, sensitization, withdrawal, and relapse to improve treatment and preventive interventions. The INIA consortium aims to clarify the molecular and cellular underpinnings of excessive drinking behavior.
Researchers have found that a gene therapy technique can reduce alcohol consumption in rats by increasing dopamine receptor levels. This approach may offer a new potential treatment for human alcohol abuse.
The study found that the nucleus accumbens responds proportionally to increasing rewards but not punishments, linking reward-related feelings to this brain area. Increasing reward cues evoked increasing self-rated happiness and nucleus accumbens activity.
Researchers found elevated levels of endocannabinoid anandamide and CB1 receptors in cirrhotic liver samples, suggesting a novel approach for managing vasodilation and portal hypertension. Elevated levels of anandamide may also reduce blood pressure.
The study found that comprehensive community prevention programs can reduce alcohol-related traffic crashes, injuries from crashes, and assaults by up to 43% and 51%. The intervention communities experienced substantial reductions in self-reported alcohol consumption and heavy drinking.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that ondansetron, a serotonin-based medication, reduced drinks per day and increased abstinence rates in patients with early-onset alcoholism. The researchers suggest that ondansetron may ameliorate an inherited serotonergic abnormality in this subtype.
Researchers found that children between 3-6 years old dislike the smell of beer if their parents report drinking to escape feelings of unhappiness. This suggests that young children acquire sensory learning about alcohol and may respond emotionally to parental behavior.
A team of researchers has identified a specific binding site for alcohols and anesthetics on brain proteins, which could lead to new pharmacologic interventions for addiction and substance abuse. This breakthrough finding builds upon previous studies suggesting that alcohols interact with specific protein molecules in the brain.
Researchers studied rhesus macaques from birth to young adulthood, finding that those with high cortisol levels responded more strongly to stress and drank more alcohol as adults. The study's findings suggest early life stress can influence later alcohol consumption and offer a promising biological marker of risk.
Researchers found that PKA signaling regulates both alcohol-seeking behavior and sensitivity to alcohol intoxication in mice. Mice with a mutation in the RIIb subunit of PKA drank nearly twice as much 20-percent alcohol solution, while recovering faster from sedative effects.
Certain long-chain alcohols can reverse ethanol's antiadhesive effects on nerve cells, suggesting potential medications to reduce the damaging effects of alcohol. The findings may lead to a better understanding and prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome and its related neurotoxic effects.
Researchers found that adolescent alcohol dependence was associated with impaired memory function, particularly in verbal and nonverbal retention. Heavy drinking over time also linked to poor visuospatial functioning and retrieval of verbal and nonverbal information.
According to a NIH/NIAAA study, approximately 28.6% of U.S. children are exposed to familial alcohol dependence or abuse before age 18. Children of alcoholics face increased risk of psychopathology and medical problems, including an increased risk for developing alcohol abuse or alcoholism.
Neurobiologists identified an alcohol-sensitive potassium channel that enhances neurotransmitter action, producing profound physiological effects in the central nervous system. The discovery has significant implications for understanding alcohol addiction and may influence neuron communication.
A study found that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a crucial role in early liver damage caused by alcohol consumption. The researchers used gene knockout technology to show that TNF-alpha mediates the development of liver injury, leading to potential new drug therapies for conditions affecting millions of Americans.
A new medication nalmefene has been found to reduce the risk of relapse in alcohol-dependent individuals. In a 12-week clinical trial, patients who received nalmefene were 2.4 times less likely to relapse than those who received a placebo.
A NIAAA-led study confirms that environmental factors can significantly impact the behavior of genetically identical mice, challenging traditional assumptions about genetic determinism. The research highlights the need for laboratories to replicate tests locally and standardize behavioral tests to minimize environmental influences.
Young people who started drinking before age 15 were four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who began at age 21. The risk of alcohol abuse was also significantly higher among early drinkers.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's Project MATCH trial found one confirmed match between low psychiatric severity patients and 12-step facilitation therapy, showing improved abstinent days and decreased drinks per day