Heavy drinkers have higher brain inflammation risks: Lear more about human brain
We all know that heavy drinkers damage their brains, but new research shows that consequences can be even more damaging than we thought.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) involves a destructive cycle between brain changes and unusual behaviors.
Let's find out more.
A new experiment
Specialists at Scripps Research found elevated levels of the immune signaling molecule IL-1 in the brains of alcohol-dependent mice.
This molecule triggers inflammation in decision-making brain areas, potentially explaining impulsive behavior in AUD.
Targeting IL-1 with existing anti-inflammatory drugs offers a potential treatment for AUD.
People with some specific mutations in the IL-1 gene are more susceptible to AUD, and autopsies of people with AUD reveal higher IL-1 levels in the brain.
The alcohol-dependent mice had double the IL-1 levels in the medial prefrontal cortex compared to controls.
IL-1 signaling in alcohol-dependent mice was altered, activating pro-inflammatory responses and elevating GABA levels, contributing to changes in brain activity.
Drugs inhibiting IL-1 are FDA-approved for treating these inflammatory conditions.
Further research will explore their potential for treating AUD.
