New Study Finds Link between Genes and Alcohol Use Disorders
A new study conducted by researchers at Indiana University has discovered a significant link between alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and the alteration of specific groups of genes that influence neuronal plasticity and pain perceptions. The findings, which were published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, suggest that genetic testing for alcoholism may be a possibility in the future.
The study utilized three distinct animal models to analyze nearly 30,000 genes and determine which ones were responsible for drinking behaviors. The researchers found that genes involved in pain sensation worked together with two other groups of genes associated with neural communication. This interaction between genes related to pain perception and neural communication is crucial for neuroadaptation and neuroplasticity, which can change brain communication.
Lead author Feng Zhou, a professor emeritus of anatomy, cell biology, and physiology at IU School of Medicine, explains the significance of this research. “We know inherited genes are a major contributor to this disease,” Zhou said. “These rat models are all uniquely qualified as criteria for human outcomes.”
The genetic testing findings could potentially help individuals with a high genetic tendency towards alcoholism to moderate their drinking and lead to more targeted treatment or prevention strategies. Early identification of genetic predisposition could lead to interventions and counseling aimed at avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
Co-author and professor emeritus of genetics at the Purdue Department of Animal Sciences, William Muir comments on the impact of this research. “In the past, research has focused on a single gene, but now, we can see that these large groups of genes make a difference, which can help guide future research and clinical care for those suffering from AUDs.”
According to the National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an estimated 16 million people in the United States have alcohol use disorders. With such a high prevalence of AUDs, understanding the genetic factors behind alcoholism is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
However, the researchers note that further research is needed to determine how these findings translate to humans. If verified, genetic testing for alcoholism could potentially revolutionize the approach to treating and preventing alcohol use disorders.