Spanish scientists tested a new compound on mice that helps Reduce alcohol consumption It reduces the “need” to drink associated with this addiction. Although it is not available for use in humans, it represents a step towards personalized treatments for alcoholism.
The compound is called MCH11 and was tested at the Miguel Hernandez University of Elche (UMH). It has shown promising effects in miceAlthough males need smaller doses than females to achieve similar results, the authors of the study published in the scientific journal point out Biomedicine and pharmacotherapy.
The compound was developed by scientists from Neuroscience Institute (Joint Center of UMH and the Supreme Council for Scientific Research), the Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante and the Research Network in Addictions Primary Care.
Alcohol use disorder is It is one of the most common types of addiction in the world It causes 2.6 million deaths annually.
However, “current treatments “Shows serious limitations”Up to 70% of patients drink alcohol again in the first year of treatment, explains Abraham Torregrossa, first author of the study.
To find a more effective treatment, the team focused on the endocannabinoid system, a signaling network that connects the nervous system to the rest of the body and is involved in regulating pleasure, motivation, and stress. The main processes in alcoholism.
in People with alcohol addictionThe system works to reduce levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), which is involved in many brain regulatory processes such as feeling happy and controlling the desire to consume.
MCH11 inhibits the enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase, whose normal function is to metabolize 2-AG, and by blocking it, it increases the amount of 2-AG available in the brain, which Significantly reduces the urge to drink Alcohol.
“Our results show that MCH11 acts on nervous system mechanisms that help… Control the desire to drink alcohol“But without causing unwanted side effects,” at least in mice and at the doses tested, concludes study director and professor at UMH, Jorge Manzanares.
Differences by gender
Although treatment in mice with MCH11 has allowed this Proven anxiolytic and antidepressant properties (which also does not interfere with motor or cognitive function), the experiments revealed significant differences between the sexes.
“In males, response to treatment was effective with Low and medium doses“Females need higher doses to get similar effects,” Manzanares says.
The team didn’t just watch Improvement in animal behaviorBut it has also been verified at the genetic level through PCR analysis.
In addition, they also tested a combination therapy for MCH11 with topiramate, a drug used clinically to treat this disease. Treatment of alcohol addiction.
“The combination of both compounds is most effective,” says Manzanares, who highlights the potential of MCH11 as part of a treatment. Combined and personalized treatmentAdapts to the biological differences between men and women.
The professor stresses that although these results are still preliminary, they are “Very promising.”
About The Author
