MOSCOW, March 21, Vladislav Strekopytov.Science has come close to creating a drug against alcohol intoxication. To do this, it is proposed to use a hormone that is produced in the liver when ethanol enters. In laboratory experiments, after an injection, the signs of intoxication quickly disappeared in mice.
«Anti-alcohol» hormone
Scientists have been trying to develop a cure for alcohol poisoning for a long time. And for this purpose, natural defense mechanisms are being explored, which are activated at the molecular level. Entering the body in large doses, ethyl alcohol begins to act like a poison — it disrupts blood circulation, has a strong effect on the brain and other organs.
Long before humans could make wine and distill alcohol, animals were already exposed to alcohol when they ate sweet, fermented fruit. Therefore, in the process of evolution, mammals developed enzymes that decompose ethanol, which is formed during fermentation from fructose and other simple sugars.
In 2018, biologists from the University of Copenhagen in experiments on mice found that alcohol promotes the production of the hormone FGF21 (fibroplast growth factor 21) in the liver of animals. It prevents dehydration from ethanol poisoning by stimulating water intake and helps avoid liver damage.
Experiments in rodents and primates have shown that FGF21 generally suppresses alcohol cravings by acting on a specific population of neurons in the brain. Vervet monkeys injected with the hormone drank 50 percent less than those given the same access to alcohol.
However, it has not yet been known whether FGF21 can be used as a cure for drunkenness.
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Neural Response
In a new study, scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have shown that this hormone plays an important role in reversing the harmful effects of ethanol exposure. It not only participates in the metabolism of alcohol, but also sends a signal to the brain to launch a biochemical defense reaction against intoxication.
«The results show that the brain is the primary site of action for FGF21,» biochemist David Mangelsdorf said in a press release. “We are now looking into the neural pathways by which FGF21 has a sobering effect in more detail.”
The authors created a line of laboratory mice lacking FGF21. It took them twice as long to recover from ethanol exposure. They have longer than the individuals from the control group, retained signs of impaired consciousness and loss of balance. Conversely, additional injections of «anti-alcohol» hormone accelerated the «recovery» process. At the same time, the reactions of alcohol breakdown in all animals proceeded at the same rate.
Further analysis showed that FGF21 crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts on receptors in a specific part of the brain called the locus coeruleus. Norepinephrine is produced in this area, a hormone that is called the “wakefulness mediator”. It regulates vigilance, is responsible for awakening from sleep and emergency mobilization of the body (the so-called «fight or flight» response).
Generally, alcohol suppresses neural activity in the locus coeruleus and the production of norepinephrine. Hence — drowsiness and loss of muscle coordination. The FGF21 hormone blocks this reaction. Scientists tested whether it would work the same way when exposed to the central nervous system with other drugs that have a relaxing effect, such as ketamine, diazepam or pentobarbital. But it turned out that FGF21 is effective only against ethanol. data-crop-width=»600″ data-crop-height=»600″ data-source-sid=»cc_by_40″ class=»lazyload» width=»1920″ height=»1920″ decoding=»async» />< br />
A cure for drunkenness
Humans also have proteins of the FGF21 family. They are secreted by the liver and are involved in many biological processes, from embryonic growth and regeneration to the development of tumors, and regulate the intake of sugary foods through neural circuits. alcohol. The experiment was carried out during the Oktoberfest beer festival in Germany.
Scientists are almost certain that in humans, this hormone, as well as in mice, stimulates the production of noradrenaline and in the future, based on FGF21, it is possible to create a fast-acting drug that relieves the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and protects the liver. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
The safety of the FGF21 protein for use as a drug has already been proven. In particular, it was tested for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
Bad Morning
Studies show that only five percent of people are resistant to alcohol. The rest the next day after a stormy feast experience all the symptoms of a hangover. The main one is dehydration: alcohol suppresses the production of antidiuretic hormone, prevents water reabsorption by the kidneys and leads to overproduction of urine. responsible for the feeling of thirst. But scientists recommend not bringing it to this, but helping the body in advance.
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In order for the internal systems and organs to recover faster after alcohol intoxication, biologists advise drinking more liquid — about one glass for each serving of alcohol drunk. Contrary to popular belief, energy drinks, juices or chicken broth are not suitable here.
You can drink mineral water, especially with a high sodium content. Even more correct is to prepare a solution that is as close as possible in electrolytic properties to physiological fluids. To do this, in a liter of water you need to dilute two tablespoons of sugar and three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt.
It is better not to use vitamins or mineral supplements without special recommendations. Aspirin or paracetamol should be treated with caution. There is no conclusive evidence that these drugs help fight hangovers. But there is evidence that taking them in combination with alcohol can lead to stomach bleeding and liver damage.
There is another simple and quick method that does not require drugs at all. Canadian scientists have proven that alcohol exits through the lungs three times faster than through the liver.
The use of hyperventilation — deep and fast breathing — to relieve hangover symptoms has been known to doctors for a long time. But it is used to a limited extent. With forced exhalation, a person loses a lot of carbon dioxide, and this can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness.