A new study has found that targeting
a protein might allow treatment of alcoholism
and simultaneously prevent alcohol-induced heart
and liver damage.
The protein called RGS6 acts through two separate mechanisms to control
alcohol-seeking behaviour and alcohol-induced cell death in heart, liver, and
other organs, the findings showed.
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Lead researcher Rory Fisher from the University of Iowa in the US said, "We propose that inhibiting this RGS6 protein could represent a new approach to counteract alcohol dependence and at the same time protect against the cell-killing actions of alcohol in the heart and liver."
There are only a few drugs that
purport to treat alcohol dependence and none that treat the damaging effects
alcohol has on various organs. The study recommends that targeting the actions
of RGS6 might accomplish both aims.
![Alcoholism Decreases Muscle Strength]( "Alcoholism Decreases Muscle Strength")
For both long-time alcoholics and patients with mitochondrial disease, muscle weakness is a common symptom.
The scientists used mice lacking RGS6 to probe the protein's roles in both alcohol craving and organ damage.
They found that when given free access to alcohol, mice without the RGS6 protein consumed less alcohol than wild-type mice with the concerned protein. The study appeared online in the journal Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Source: Medindia
Alcoholism Decreases Muscle Strength
For both long-time alcoholics and patients with mitochondrial disease, muscle weakness is a common symptom.
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The scientists used mice lacking RGS6 to probe the protein's roles in both alcohol craving and organ damage.
They found that when given free access to alcohol, mice without the RGS6 protein consumed less alcohol than wild-type mice with the concerned protein. The study appeared online in the journal Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Source: Medindia
Supporting Recovery After Treatment for Alcoholism With Smartphone App
A smartphone application is found to help reduce risky drinking days for patients with alcohol use disorder, compared to patients who received usual care after leaving residential treatment.
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 Research Reveals Protein Links Liver Cancer With Obesity, Alcoholism, and HepatitisPrevious research has found that obesity, alcoholism, and chronic hepatitis increase the risk of getting liver cancer. | Advertisement
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