Scientists find link between sugar metabolism and alcohol addiction
Scientists discovered that alcohol triggers a metabolic pathway that produces fructose, which may reinforce alcohol consumption and accelerate liver damage.
Why it matters
- Identifies a potential new therapeutic target for treating alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- Shows that alcohol affects the body's sugar metabolism, enhancing drinking behavior and worsening liver injury.
By the numbers
- Study conducted on mice showed those lacking KHK drank less alcohol and had reduced liver damage.
- Findings suggest targeting fructose metabolism could benefit patients with liver disease linked to diet or alcohol use.
The big picture
- Discovery highlights an unexpected intersection between sugar and alcohol metabolism.
- Opens possibilities for developing treatments targeting a common pathway underlying both metabolic and alcohol-related liver diseases.
What they're saying
- Connection between alcoholism and sugar seeking is not surprising given evolutionary context.
- Finding might explain why GLP-1 inhibitors are effective at reducing alcohol cravings.
Caveats
- Study conducted on mice; effects in humans might differ.
- Findings promising but need further research to develop effective treatments.
What’s next
- Further research needed to see if findings translate to humans.
- Developing therapies targeting fructose metabolism could help treat alcohol addiction and liver disease.