Scientists have discovered a hormone called FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) produced in the liver that can protect against the harmful effects of alcohol.
Injections of the hormone stopped mice from losing their balance and coordination after consuming alcohol.
The discovery could help problem drinkers sober up, according to the researchers. Senior author Dr Steven Kliewer, from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, explained that the liver not only metabolizes alcohol but also sends a hormonal signal to the brain to protect against the harmful effects of intoxication.
FGF21 is known to regulate metabolism and appetite, particularly reducing sugar consumption.
Animals that consume natural sugars evolved liver enzymes to break down ethanol, or pure alcohol. Lab rodents lacking FGF21 took longer than their littermates to recover following ethanol exposure.
Administering FGF21 sped up the time it took to come round and regain their reflexes. Surprisingly, the hormone did not counteract sedation caused by other tranquillizers, such as ketamine, diazepam or pentobarbital, indicating that it is specific to ethanol.
It worked by directly activating neurons in an area of the brain called the locus coeruleus, which regulates arousal and alertness.
Results indicate that the FGF21 chemical pathway between the liver and the brain evolved to resist intoxication. The hormone may control various cognitive and emotional functions to enhance survival under stressful conditions.
The US team explained that the brain is the major site of action for FGF21’s effects and is exploring the neuronal pathways by which it exerts its sobering effect in greater depth.
Last year, a study found that FGF21 halved the intake of monkeys hooked on alcohol. Alcoholism is one of the biggest sources of preventable disease in Western societies, costing the NHS an estimated £ 3.5 billion per year.
Regular drinking can cause cancer, liver failure, high blood pressure, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Alcohol abuse claims around 9,000 lives a year in the UK and 95,000 in the US. NHS recommendations advise men and women not to drink more than 14 units a week, equivalent to six pints of beer or a bottle and a half of wine.
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