(ORDO NEWS) — Alcoholism is closely associated with chronic inflammation.
Therefore, the remedy, which is used to treat psoriasis and other similar conditions, helps to reduce cravings for alcohol. American scientists have demonstrated this in mice and humans.
Alcohol consumption causes serious harm to society and human health . Today’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) describes dozens of related disorders, starting with alcohol dependence ( 6C40.2 ).
It is characterized by an inability to control the cravings for drinking, despite serious negative consequences.
Meanwhile, the list of drugs that are effective in the treatment of alcoholism is quite short. Only a few drugs can be mentioned, such as acamprosate, disulfiram and naltrexone.
This situation stimulates the search for new drugs for the treatment of alcohol dependence, including among drugs used for other diseases.
Apremilast, an anti-inflammatory drug that is prescribed for those suffering from arthritis and psoriasis, can become such a medicine.
These conclusions were reached by scientists from the Oregon University of Science and Health.
Professor Angela Ozburn and her colleagues built on past work showing a link between alcohol addiction and chronic inflammation.
In particular, a genome-wide association search conducted by British scientists revealed that a particular allele of the phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) gene is more common among active alcohol and tobacco users.
This enzyme is involved in the metabolism of cyclic AMP , a small molecule that performs various signaling functions within cells.
PDE4 breaks down cAMP, completing its cycle of work and starting a chain of inflammatory processes. If the activity of this protein is suppressed, inflammation is reduced.
Therefore, for the treatment of diseases associated with systemic inflammation, doctors use drugs – PDE4 inhibitors.
So, for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, apremilast is used , which is sold under the brand name Otesla. The same medicine can become a means to combat alcohol addiction.
Prof. Ozburn’s team conducted experiments on laboratory mice, showing that apremilast affects the nucleus accumbens of the brain, an area that is involved in the reward system and is involved in the development of various addictions.
The use of the drug actually reduced the mice’s craving for alcohol in a variety of situations, both during stressful reactions and in everyday situations.
Scientists even conducted preliminary clinical trials on humans. Oral apremilast helped to cut the number of daily drinks consumed by more than half, on average from five to two.
All this makes it an exceptionally promising tool for combating alcohol addiction.
However, full-fledged clinical trials and regulatory approval will be needed before this drug can be used with confidence. Self-medication, based on the preliminary findings of scientists, is not worth it.
—
Online:
Contact us: [email protected]
Our Standards, Terms of Use: Standard Terms And Conditions.