Gene Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder

Gene Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder

Gene Therapy Shows Promise in Curbing Alcohol Use Disorder

Aug. 21, 2023 – A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Oregon Health & Science University offers new hope in the treatment of severe alcohol use disorder. The study involved the use of gene therapy to target the brain’s reward system and reduce the urge to drink.

Alcohol-related deaths in the United States have been on the rise, especially among women. According to research published in the journal JAMA Network Open, alcohol-related deaths increased dramatically between 2007 and 2020. The trend continued in 2021, with 108,791 alcohol-related deaths recorded, slightly surpassing the number of drug overdoses in the same year.

For the 29.5 million Americans suffering from alcohol use disorder, recovery can be a challenging journey. One of the main obstacles is the malfunctioning reward system in their brains. Dopamine, the feel-good brain chemical, is released when alcohol is consumed. However, prolonged heavy drinking leads to a reduction in dopamine production, driving individuals to consume more alcohol to experience the same pleasurable effects.

To address this issue, researchers implanted a specific gene called glial-derived neurotrophic factor into the brains of rhesus monkeys that were heavy drinkers. The gene acts as a growth factor, stimulating the multiplication of brain cells responsible for dopamine synthesis. In essence, it reset their reward system and significantly reduced their urge to drink.

The results were astounding. Monkeys that received the gene therapy decreased their drinking by approximately 90%, effectively quitting alcohol altogether. On the other hand, monkeys that received a placebo demonstrated no change in their drinking habits. This success paves the way for further animal studies and, eventually, human clinical trials. However, because gene therapy requires invasive brain surgery, it would likely be reserved for those with the most severe and life-threatening drinking habits.

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It is important to note that the current treatment options for alcohol use disorder are underutilized. Only 4.6% of individuals with alcohol use disorder seek treatment each year. The ubiquity and acceptance of alcohol in American culture pose challenges for individuals to acknowledge their alcohol-related problems. Additionally, many healthcare professionals fail to recognize and treat alcohol use disorder in patients who seek care.

The future of alcohol use disorder treatment looks promising, with ongoing research leading to potential new treatments. Unlike other drugs that target specific receptors in the body, alcohol affects various receptors and penetrates cells at high doses, making it difficult to treat. However, this complexity also presents opportunities for researchers to identify multiple points of intervention.

Some of the most exciting developments include the use of hallucinogens, epigenetic editing, oxytocin, and ghrelin:

1. Hallucinogens: In the 1950s, before their prohibition, hallucinogenic substances showed potential in helping individuals drink less. Recent studies have reignited interest in the use of hallucinogens for alcohol use disorder. When combined with therapy, hallucinogens like psilocybin have shown promising results in reducing heavy drinking.

2. Epigenetic Editing: Researchers have found that alcohol exposure can affect the activity of a gene in the amygdala, a brain region involved in emotional processing. By editing this gene in rats through intravenous delivery of genetic material, researchers were able to decrease drinking and anxiety in the rodents.

3. Oxytocin: Known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is produced by the brain during moments of emotional bonding. It has the potential to reset the dopamine system, making alcohol less appealing. A recent study involving mice injected with oxytocin demonstrated that they did not drink during a stressful situation that could have led to relapse.

4. Ghrelin: This stomach hormone, responsible for regulating hunger and satiety, could also play a role in curbing drinking. A study published in Neuropharmacology showed that mice treated with drugs that increased ghrelin levels reduced their alcohol intake.

The use of gene therapy in treating alcohol use disorder offers a glimmer of hope for those struggling with severe cases of this condition. As research progresses and clinical trials move forward, individuals who have not responded to conventional treatment modalities may finally find relief. It is crucial to continue supporting advancements in the field of addiction treatment to ensure that effective and accessible options are available for all those in need.

Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, please seek help from a qualified healthcare provider or refer to directories provided by the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry or the American Society of Addiction Medicine.