Alcoholism, like any addiction, is not a “formula treat”. Therefore, there are many different methods, from psychological effects to the medication. But soon things can change, after all, the US successfully tested the first medication for alcohol dependence, which acts at the genetic level.
According to the editors of the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, a team of scientists from the University of Texas at Austin in the study of alcoholism have discovered a gene which is responsible for the development of dependence. Continuing the study, the experts came to the conclusion that the suppression of the activity of this gene may lead to reduced craving for alcohol, and even the complete rejection of alcohol. The result is a substance JVW-1034. According to the authors of the work
“JVW-1034 is able to block Sigma receptors, which play a key role in the formation of dependence. With the introduction JVW-1034 rats and worms, we have managed to achieve amazing results.”
During the experiments, earthen worms “poured” into the soil with a high alcohol content. Then one group of worms was administered a new drug. In the end, all the individuals got rid of intoxication (in other words, the hangover). An experiment on rats was more interesting: a few days the rodents were fed a 10% solution of alcohol to the point that, while they did not develop alcohol dependence. After that, all mice were injected a drug. As it turned out, 30% of the mice craving for alcohol disappeared in the first days and after the full course of treatment, all laboratory animals got rid of alcoholism. Now scientists are planning the next phase of testing, but with the participation of the people.
Tested the first genetic medicines against alcoholism
Vladimir Kuznetsov