Health & Fitness - Protein linked to stopping alcohol abuse

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Protein linked to stopping alcohol abuse

SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) -- In an animal study, U.S. researchers found boosting the level of a specific brain protein quickly cut excessive drinking of alcohol.

However, the treatment didn't block other "pleasure-seeking behaviors" -- in this case, craving sweets, scientists at the University of California, San Francisco-affiliated Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center said.

In 2005, the researchers reported that increased levels of this brain protein, known as GDNF, cut alcohol consumption.

The new study, published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, established how quickly the effect works and and shows for the first time that the chemical blocks relapse and doesn't interfere with normal cravings. The research also pinpointed the brain site where GDNF acts to control drinking.

"There is a tremendous need for therapies to treat alcohol abuse," senior author Dorit Ron said in a statement. "Unfortunately, only three drugs are currently approved to treat excessive drinking and all have serious limitations. Our findings open the door to a promising new strategy to combat alcohol abuse, addiction and especially relapse."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 06/10/2008

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