Endocannabinoid-System
Robert Klatt
Alcohol impacts the endocannabinoid system )moc.sotohptisopedue.eehpargotohp(Photo: ©
Years of chronic alcohol use cause significant changes in the brain, according to new research. These findings offer a deeper understanding of alcohol dependence and could pave the way for the development of novel therapies.
Elche, Spain. Research has consistently demonstrated that alcohol influences the endocannabinoid system – a network of signaling molecules in the body that regulates various brain functions, including mood, stress responses, and memory. Now, researchers at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) have published a new study revealing that decades of alcohol consumption profoundly alters gene activity in the brain. The study aims to explore the biological underpinnings of alcohol dependence and identify potential new treatment strategies.
“Alcohol dependence is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. Despite its enormous social and health impacts, the available treatment options remain limited. Understanding what changes in the brain after decades of alcohol consumption is crucial for developing more effective therapies.”
Alcohol’s Effects on the Human Brain
To analyze how alcohol affects the human brain, researchers examined brain tissue from individuals who had chronically consumed alcohol for an average of 35 years. By focusing on samples from people who had not used other drugs, the study was able to isolate the effects of alcohol specifically.
“This approach provides a much clearer picture of how alcohol alone alters gene expression in brain regions central to addiction.”
The focus of the research was the endocannabinoid system, which consists of naturally occurring messenger molecules and enzymes responsible for their breakdown, as well as various receptors like CB1, and CB2.
“This system acts as a finely tuned modulator of brain activity and plays a central role in reward and motivation.”
Brain tissue from those with chronic alcohol use showed significant differences compared to tissue from individuals who consumed little to no alcohol. In those with alcohol dependence, the gene for the CB1 receptor was markedly more active in the prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens – areas of the brain linked to addiction.
“CB1 is closely associated with the reinforcement of addiction-related behaviors and the risk of relapse.”
Conversely, the activity of the CB2 receptor gene was significantly lower in these same brain regions.
“Because CB2 has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory functions, its reduction suggests a weakening of the brain’s defense mechanisms against alcohol-related damage.”
Changes in an Orphan Receptor
The study likewise identified changes in the GPR55 receptor, sometimes referred to as an “orphan receptor.” Its activity was slightly increased in the prefrontal cortex, but significantly decreased in the nucleus accumbens, in individuals who had chronically consumed alcohol before their death. This connection had not been previously demonstrated in people with alcohol dependence.
According to the scientists, these new findings help explain why individuals with a history of alcohol dependence may experience an increased risk of relapse and impaired self-control. A better understanding of which components of the endocannabinoid system play a critical role in alcohol dependence, and in which brain regions changes occur, could aid in the development of new treatment approaches.
Sources:
Study in the journal Addiction, doi: 10.1111/add.70293
