Alcoholic Research Articles

Repurposing Semaglutide and Liraglutide for Alcohol Use Disorder

ImportancePreliminary studies suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists, used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, may decrease alcohol consumption.ObjectiveTo test whether the risk of hospitalization due to alcohol use disorder (AUD) is decreased during the use of GLP-1 agonists compared with periods of nonuse for the same individual.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study was an observational study conducted nationwide in Sweden using data from January 2006 to December 2023. The population-based cohort was identified from registers of inpatient care, specialized outpatient care, sickness absence, and disability pension. Participants were all residents aged 16 to 64 years who had a diagnosis of AUD.ExposuresThe primary exposure was use of individual GLP-1 agonists (compared with nonuse of GLP-1 agonists), and the secondary exposure was medications with indication for AUD.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was AUD hospitalization analyzed in a Cox regression within-individual model. Secondary outcomes were any substance use disorder (SUD)–related hospitalization, somatic hospitalization, and suicide attempt.ResultsThe cohort included 227 866 individuals with AUD; 144 714 (63.5%) were male and 83 154 (36.5%) were female, with a mean (SD) age of 40.0 (15.7) years. Median (IQR) follow-up time was 8.8 (4.0-13.3) years. A total of 133 210 individuals (58.5%) experienced AUD hospitalization. Semaglutide (4321 users) was associated with the lowest risk (AUD: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.50-0.83; any SUD: aHR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54-0.85) and use of liraglutide (2509 users) with the second lowest risk (AUD: aHR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.92; any SUD: aHR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.97) of both AUD and SUD hospitalization. Use of any AUD medication was associated with a modestly decreased risk (aHR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.00). Semaglutide (aHR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.90) and liraglutide (aHR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69-0.91) use were also associated with decreased risk of somatic hospitalizations but not associated with suicide attempts (semaglutide: aHR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.23-1.30; liraglutide: aHR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.55-2.15).Conclusions and RelevanceAmong patients with AUD and comorbid obesity/type 2 diabetes, the use of semaglutide and liraglutide were associated with a substantially decreased risk of hospitalization due to AUD. This risk was lower than that of officially approved AUD medications. Semaglutide and liraglutide may be effective in the treatment of AUD, and clinical trials are urgently needed to confirm these findings.

Efficacy of Screening and Brief Intervention for Alcohol Misuse in Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

ABSTRACT Alcohol misuse is common in persons on opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OAMT). We tested the efficacy of screening and brief intervention (SBI) for harmful/hazardous alcohol use in buprenorphine/naloxone (BNX)-assisted OAMT. It was a double-blind, parallel-group, randomized trial, where 150 participants with alcohol misuse (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test – AUDIT 8–19) on BNX were allocated equally to receive either a single session SBI or screening and brief advice (control). Participants were followed up at three months. The primary outcome was the change in AUDIT; other outcomes were risk transition, change in the frequency of heavy drinking, days of abstinence from alcohol, Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, non-prescription opioid use, and adherence to BNX. Follow-up data was gathered from 138 participants. SBI participants had a higher reduction in AUDIT scores at the follow-up (F = 129. 173, df = 1, p < .001, ηp 2 =.469). A higher proportion of participants transitioned to a low-risk category in the SBI group. The SBI group showed a higher reduction in heavy drinking and days of alcohol abstinence. Although the proportion of persons with normal serum GGT increased in both groups, the difference was not significant at the follow-up. The SBI group performed better in non-prescription opioid use and BNX adherence.

The Impact of Alcohol-Induced Epigenetic Modifications in the Treatment of Alcohol use Disorders.

Alcohol use disorders are responsible for 5.9% of all death annually and 5.1% of the global disease burden. It has been suggested that alcohol abuse can modify gene expression through epigenetic processes, namely DNA and histone methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA expression. The alcohol influence on epigenetic mechanisms leads to molecular adaptation of a wide number of brain circuits, including the hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal axis, the prefrontal cortex, the mesolimbic-dopamine pathways and the endogenous opioid pathways. Epigenetic regulation represents an important level of alcohol-induced molecular adaptation in the brain. It has been demonstrated that acute and chronic alcohol exposure can induce opposite modifications in epigenetic mechanisms: acute alcohol exposure increases histone acetylation, decreases histone methylation and inhibits DNA methyltransferase activity, while chronic alcohol exposure induces hypermethylation of DNA. Some studies investigated the chromatin status during the withdrawal period and the craving period and showed that craving was associated with low methylation status, while the withdrawal period was associated with elevated activity of histone deacetylase and decreased histone acetylation. Given the effects exerted by ethanol consumption on epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin structure modifiers, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, might represent a new potential strategy to treat alcohol use disorder. Further investigations on molecular modifications induced by ethanol might be helpful to develop new therapies for alcoholism and drug addiction targeting epigenetic processes.

Committing Homicide After Drinking: The Characteristics of Self-Reported Alcohol-Involved Homicide Offending

ABSTRACT It is well established that alcohol use is associated with homicide (e.g. Kuhns et al. 2014; Parker et al. 2011). However, much of our knowledge of alcohol-involved homicide is based on official data. Self-report data obtained directly from offenders about their consumption of alcohol immediately prior to committing homicide provide valuable information that complements data from official sources such as details emerging from police investigations and court proceedings. However, such data are rare. This study analyzes self-report data collected through face-to-face interviews with 205 men and women convicted of murder or manslaughter in Australia, of whom almost half (43.4%) reported use of alcohol prior to the homicide. The strongest predictor of alcohol-involved homicide was ongoing alcohol problems, speaking to the importance of prevention strategies targeting the entrenched nature of substance misuse. Furthermore, alcohol-involved homicides were nighttime events, committed in public places by older offenders using knives. Though such variables appear indicative of impulsiveness, a measure of self-control did not distinguish between alcohol-involved and not alcohol-involved homicide. Further investigations into the role of self-control on alcohol and violence are necessary.

Next‐generation biomarkers for alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment: A critical review

AbstractThis critical review summarizes the current state of omics‐based biomarkers in the alcohol research field. We first provide definitions and background information on alcohol and alcohol use disorder (AUD), biomarkers, and “omic” technologies. We next summarize using (1) genetic information as risk/prognostic biomarkers for the onset of alcohol‐related problems and the progression from regular drinking to problematic drinking (including AUD), (2) epigenetic information as diagnostic biomarkers for AUD and risk biomarkers for alcohol consumption, (3) transcriptomic information as diagnostic biomarkers for AUD, risk biomarkers for alcohol consumption, and (4) metabolomic information as diagnostic biomarkers for AUD, risk biomarkers for alcohol consumption, and predictive biomarkers for response to acamprosate in subjects with AUD. In the final section, the clinical implications of the findings are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research.

Tobacco use, cirrhosis, and age are predictors of readiness to change and continued drinking following brief alcohol intervention in Veterans

Alcohol-use disorder (AUD) is prevalent within the Veterans Health System, especially in patients being seen in hepatology clinics, and needs a point-of-care strategy. A brief alcohol intervention based on AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) may be needed for management of hazardous alcohol intake, but feasibility is unclear. We aimed to define predictors of readiness to cease alcohol intake (0-10, 10 being ready to quit now) and continued drinking after using a brief alcohol intervention in Veterans seen in hepatology clinics cross-sectionally and longitudinally over 6 months. A total of 414 men with liver disease (average age of 61 years old, 48% with cirrhosis, 31% with concomitant psychiatric conditions, 44% with tobacco use, 14% with prior AUD therapy) were approached. 144 patients (35%) had a positive AUDIT-C (8.9±4.0) and were given the brief intervention. 80 of these patients (56%) had a high readiness to change, listing “wanting to improve health” and “prior success at reducing alcohol intake” as their most frequent reasoning. On regression analysis, concomitant tobacco use was associated with a significantly lower readiness to quit alcohol score. On longitudinal follow-up at 6 months, 34 (23%) patients were still drinking. These patients were older, and more likely to have concomitant diagnoses of cirrhosis and anxiety. Overall, we found that in a large cohort of Veterans seen in hepatology clinics that in routine practice,a brief intervention targeted at alcohol use is feasible. Older patients with concomitant tobacco use, cirrhosis, and anxiety may need more longitudinal attention to ensure that the initial interest in reducing problem drinking is sustained.

Effectiveness of digital screening and brief intervention for alcohol misuse among college students: A state‐wide cluster randomized trial from India

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol misuse is prevalent among college students globally, including in India. Digital screening and brief interventions (DSBI) promise to address this issue. This study assesses DSBI's effectiveness in a state‐wide cluster randomized trial among college students in India.MethodsWe recruited 548 participants (274 in each DSBI and digital screening and brief advice‐DSBA) from 40 colleges across 10 districts of Punjab, India. Colleges were selected via two‐stage cluster random sampling and were allocated to groups using permuted block randomization. Participants with Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores between 8 and 19 were included. The digital platform directed eligible participants to their respective groups. DSBI participants received information on alcohol harms, normative and personalized feedback, a decisional balance checklist, and a menu of options. DSBA participants received screening and alcohol harm information. Follow‐ups were conducted at 3‐ and 6‐month post‐intervention. Primary outcome: reduction in AUDIT scores; secondary outcomes: frequency of drinking, drinks per drinking day, and frequency of heavy episodic drinking (HED).ResultsBaseline demographics and clinical variables did not significantly differ between groups, except for participants' age. 37.6% were women. Follow‐up rates were 513/548 at 3 months and 483/548 at 6 months, with no group differences in attrition. AUDIT scores significantly decreased in both groups at 3 and 6 months (Time F = 1870.11, p &lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.77), with no Group × Time effects (F = 0.160, p = 0.85). Drinking frequency, HED frequency, and drinks per drinking day decreased significantly in both groups without between‐group differences.ConclusionThe study highlights the potential policy implications of integrating brief digital interventions for alcohol misuse into educational health initiatives.

Effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy on Level of Stress and Anxiety among Sober Alcohol Dependents Attending Self Help Groups in Selected Areas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Stress and anxiety are common, especially in challenging situations. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) helps manage these by addressing irrational thoughts. It is also effective in reducing emotional distress linked to alcohol addiction. Methodology: This study evaluates the levels of stress and anxiety among sober alcohol dependents attending self-help groups and assesses the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in reducing these levels. A quantitative, quasi-experimental non-randomized control group design was used, with 60 participants (30 in the control group and 30 in the experimental group) selected through convenience sampling. Conducted over 28 days, the research setting included selected self-help groups. Reliability scores for the stress and anxiety assessment tools were high (0.99) based on the test-retest method, ensuring the study's credibility. A pilot study confirmed feasibility for larger-scale research. The findings provide key insights into REBT's role in improving mental health among sober alcohol dependents. Result: The study demonstrated that Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is significantly effective in reducing both stress and anxiety among sober alcohol dependents attending self-help groups. For stress, pretest results in the experimental group showed 43.3% of participants had moderate stress and 56.7% had high stress. Posttest results revealed substantial improvement, with 33.3% reporting low stress and 66.7% reporting moderate stress. The paired t-test showed a significant reduction in stress scores, with an average decrease from 26.8 to 16.6 (p-value &lt; 0.05). Similarly, anxiety levels improved significantly. In the experimental group, pretest anxiety results showed 56.7% with moderate anxiety, which dropped to 13.3% posttest. The paired t-test revealed a significant decrease in anxiety scores from 26 to 15.3 (p-value &lt; 0.05). Comparison between experimental and control groups also confirmed the significant impact of REBT on reducing both stress and anxiety levels. Conclusion: The findings suggest that REBT is a highly effective intervention for managing stress and anxiety in sober alcohol dependents.

Cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced through videoconferencing for night eating syndrome, binge-eating disorder and comorbid insomnia: a Case Report

Abstract Background Both night-eating syndrome and binge-eating disorder are characterized by episodes of excessive food consumption, significant distress, and functional impairment related to maladaptive eating behaviors. Both types of eating disorders are associated with poorer sleep quality. Cognitive behavioral therapy has demonstrated good outcomes for binge-eating disorder; however, it is unknown if it is effective for night-eating syndrome and comorbid insomnia. Case presentation The current paper presents a case report of a Dutch woman in her 40’s receiving cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced for night-eating syndrome, as well as binge-eating disorder. However, to tailor the intervention to her specific needs, throughout the course of treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia interventions were also implemented. Her comorbid complaints were insomnia, childhood trauma, a depressive mood disorder, and cluster B and C personality traits. She had a history of bariatric surgery, as well as alcohol addiction, and received various treatments in the past, aiming to become abstinent from binge eating. Conclusions Post-treatment, she was abstinent from binge eating and, her scores of various eating disorder measures were below clinical cut-points. However, it is unclear if she would show earlier symptom reduction if she received cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia, prior to cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced. In addition, the patient reported an increase in her depressive mood and commenced schema therapy after cognitive behavioral therapy- enhanced. Although common, the underlying cause of symptom shifts in patients with an eating disorder remains largely unknown.

A multi-omics Mendelian randomization study identifies new therapeutic targets for alcohol use disorder and problem drinking

A multi-omics Mendelian randomization study identifies new therapeutic targets for alcohol use disorder and problem drinking

Promising strategies for the prevention of alcohol-related brain damage through optimised management of acute alcohol withdrawal: A focussed literature review

There is an increasing awareness of the link between chronic alcohol consumption and the development of cognitive, behavioural and functional deficits. Currently, preventative strategies are limited and require engagement in dedicated long-term rehabilitation and sobriety services, the availability of which is low. The acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome is an episode of neurochemical imbalance leading to autonomic dysregulation, increased seizure risk and cognitive disorientation. In addition to harm from symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (e.g. seizures), the underpinning neurochemical changes may also lead to cytotoxicity through various cellular mechanisms, which long-term, may translate to some of the cognitive impairments observed in Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD). Here we review some of the pharmacological and neurochemical mechanisms underpinning alcohol withdrawal. We discuss the cellular and pharmacological basis of various potential neuroprotective strategies that warrant further exploration in clinical populations with a view to preventing the development of ARBD. Such strategies, when integrated into the clinical management of acute alcohol withdrawal, may impact large populations of individuals, who currently face limited dedicated service delivery and healthcare resource.

Factors Associated With Motivation to Reduce Alcohol Use Among Patients With Chronic Liver Disease

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsAlcohol use is prevalent among hepatology clinic patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We explored factors associated with the importance and confidence dimensions of motivation to reduce drinking.MethodsParticipants (N = 121) with unhealthy alcohol use (i.e., over NIH guidelines) receiving care in hepatology clinics from a safety‐net hospital (SN, N = 54) and two Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems (VA, N = 67) were enrolled in an alcohol intervention trial from March 2022 through October 2023. Baseline assessments included Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD‐7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐8), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), COVID‐19 stress; and measures of importance and confidence to decrease alcohol use (readiness rulers, scales of 1–10). Liver disease aetiology and severity were extracted from electronic health records. We performed multivariable linear regression models with forward selection to assess pre‐specified variables' associations with importance and confidence.ResultsThe sample was 84% male, 40% Latino, 31% White, 18% Black and 11% other races; median age was 61 years. Median (Q1–Q3) AUDIT score was 16 (12–24), importance was 9 (6–10) and confidence was 8 (5–9). On multivariable analysis, VA site (vs. SN) participants had a 0.97‐point lower importance score (p = 0.02); higher symptoms of depression (PHQ‐8 score ≥ 10 vs. &lt; 10) and AUDIT scores (for each point increase) were associated with higher importance score (estimates 1.2 and 0.08, p &lt; 0.05, respectively). Liver disease aetiology and severity were not significantly associated with outcomes.ConclusionsDepression, alcohol problem severity and treatment site may influence motivation to reduce alcohol use and could inform future hepatology‐based interventions.

A meta‐analysis on racial discrimination and alcohol use among Asian Americans

AbstractBackgroundRacial discrimination has been identified as a contributing risk factor for alcohol use among racially minoritized individuals. The aims of this study were to quantify the relationship between racial discrimination and alcohol use among Asian Americans, examine gender, age and generational status as moderators, and characterize ethnic group representation across the literature.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and OpenDissertations. A random effects model using Pearson's r effect sizes was conducted on separate alcohol outcomes. Meta‐regression analyses tested for moderating effects, and heterogeneity was examined by identifying outliers and subgroup differences. Risk of bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's regression test.ResultsTwenty‐two effect sizes were extracted from 18 studies, representing 8926 participants. A significant positive association was found between racial discrimination and alcohol consumption (k = 9, r = 0.13, 95% CI = [0.07, 0.19], I2 = 80.7%, p = 0.002) and problematic alcohol use (k = 12, r = 0.27, 95% CI = [0.12, 0.40] I2 = 93.7%, p = 0.002), but not binge use (k = 3, r = 0.08, 95% CI = [−0.49, 0.60], I2 = 95.0%, p = 0.64). Age, gender, and generational status were not significant moderators (p's &gt; 0.10). When ethnic groups were reported, Chinese Americans were most represented (36.9%), while Indian Americans were notably underrepresented (1.18%).ConclusionsThere is a small positive association between racial discrimination and alcohol consumption and problematic alcohol use among Asian Americans. Research should seek to fill gaps identified by this review, including the dearth of longitudinal work needed to establish temporal precedence, the limited understanding of racial discrimination on binge use and underrepresented ethnic groups in this field of research, and reducing heterogeneity between studies.

Silent Devastation: Acute Marchiafava-Bignami Disease Unmasked by Chronic Alcoholism in a 24-Year-Old Male: A Case Report

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is an uncommon condition that is mainly linked to prolonged alcoholism and nutritional deficits. It is characterised by necrosis and demyelination of the corpus callosum. Due to its rarity and vague clinical signs, this disorder can frequently be misdiagnosed. It manifests as a range of neurological symptoms, from altered awareness to motor impairments. We present a 24-year-old man in this case report who has a history of intravenous drug use, chronic alcohol intake, and recent binge drinking.He presented with a 10-day history of constipation, vomiting, and a high-grade continuous fever. Over two days, the patient’s condition deteriorated into a drowsy state with abdominal pain.On examination, the patient was drowsy but arousable, with stable vital signs except for hypertension. Neurological findings indicated reduced deep tendon reflexes, hypotonia, and neck stiffness. A systemic workup revealed normal brain CT findings, however, diffusion limitation was seen in the corpus callosum's splenium on MRI, along with mild oedema and T2/FLAIR hyperintensity. The lumbar puncture showed lymphocytic predominance, low CSF glucose, and elevated protein levels suggestive of a possible CNS infection. The differential diagnosis included Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) and cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs).The patient was managed with intravenous steroids, empirical antitubercular therapy (ATT), broad-spectrum antibiotics, and supportive care, including airway protection via intubation. Despite the late diagnosis, the clinical history of chronic alcoholism, recent binge, and imaging findings confirmed MBD. Early recognition and treatment of this disorder can improve neurological outcomes. The present study emphasises how crucial it is to take MBD into account when making a differential diagnosis for alcohol-related encephalopathies, especially in individuals who have neurological decline and prolonged alcohol consumption.

A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating the Role of Meaning and Purpose in Life Among Older Individuals (≥50-Years Old) in Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder/Problem Drinking

ABSTRACT Meaning and purpose in life (MPL) is an important domain of the recovery capital model. Yet, this important recovery support mechanism has received scant attention, particularly in relation to older individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD)/problem drinking. Framed within Viktor Frankl’s theory of meaning, the study used two measures, the Purpose in Life Test and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, to collect the data of 381 older individuals (≥50-years old) in recovery. The data was analyzed against four independent variables: onset age of problem drinking (early- and late-onset), gender, continuous years in recovery and recovery pathways. The study found a significant relationship between MPL and continuous years in recovery, suggesting that as the length of time in recovery increases, so too, do levels of MPL.

Pellagra in chronic alcoholism: An underdiagnosed condition in modern clinical practice

Pellagra in chronic alcoholism: An underdiagnosed condition in modern clinical practice

Polygenic risk for alcohol use disorder affects cellular responses to ethanol exposure in a human microglial cell model.

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) assess genetic susceptibility to alcohol use disorder (AUD), yet their molecular implications remain underexplored. Neuroimmune interactions, particularly in microglia, are recognized as notable contributors to AUD pathophysiology. We investigated the interplay between AUD PRS and ethanol in human microglia derived from iPSCs from individuals with AUD high-PRS (diagnosed with AUD) or low-PRS (unaffected). Ethanol exposure induced elevated CD68 expression and morphological changes in microglia, with differential responses between high-PRS and low-PRS microglial cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed expression differences in MHCII complex and phagocytosis-related genes following ethanol exposure; high-PRS microglial cells displayed enhanced phagocytosis and increased CLEC7A expression, unlike low-PRS microglial cells. Synapse numbers in cocultures of induced neurons with microglia after alcohol exposure were lower in high-RPS cocultures, suggesting possible excess synapse pruning. This study provides insights into the intricate relationship between AUD PRS, ethanol, and microglial function, potentially influencing neuronal functions in developing AUD.

Promoting Race and Ethnic Diversity in a Hospital-Based Randomized Clinical Trial to Address Untreated Alcohol Use Disorder: Initial Lessons Learned.

This study aimed to describe initial experiences and lessons learned conducting a trial focused on recruiting racially and ethnically diverse hospitalized patients with untreated alcohol use disorder (AUD). The parent trial is comparing the effectiveness of strategies including Brief Negotiation Interview (BNI), facilitated initiation of medications for AUD, and computer-based training for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT4CBT) on AUD treatment engagement post-hospitalization. Guided by the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced, we catalogued protocol changes and evaluated outcomes using study and electronic medical record data during the first 18 months of recruitment. Recipients: (1) Selected entry criterion to intentionally include individuals most likely impacted by structural racism, (2) developed multipronged recruitment approaches, and (3) selected bilingual, multicultural, and ethnically diverse research staff. Intervention: (1) Added scripts in the BNI to consider how cultural factors influence and how racism may impact, alcohol use, and AUD treatment engagement, (2) offered tablets as a compensation alternative with support for CBT4CBT initiation (as relevant), and (3) anticipate and troubleshoot internet access challenges. Setting: (1) Identified community-based AUD treatment options with Spanish-speaking services and (2) identified resources to address social determinants of health. Study: (1) Audited data to monitor whether diverse enrollment is occurring. Among n = 132 randomized as of March 1, 2024, 25% endorsed Black, 24% endorsed Latine, 58% endorsed White, 1% endorsed Indigenous, and 15% endorsed race not listed or declined to disclose. We observed no difference by race or ethnicity in recruitment or retention experiences. Multilevel practices within a hospital-based AUD-focused trial can promote recruitment and retention of a racially and ethnically diverse sample.

The effectiveness of antidepressant therapy against anhedonia in patients with alcohol dependence

The article presents the results of a scientific study aimed at determining the effectiveness of the drug Vortioxetine (Brintellix) in the treatment of affective spectrum disorders in patients with alcohol dependence in a drug treatment hospital, since the drug is promising for widespread use in the drug therapy of a number of mental disorders and in the future could be included in the standard of medical care in the field of psychiatry-addictology. It is known that anhedonia is one of the mental disorders in withdrawal syndrome, which provokes relapses of an addictive disorder and negatively affects the duration and quality of remissions of patients with an addiction profile. At the same time, the study of antidepressant therapy in the treatment of alcohol dependence remains relevant, since poor tolerance, side effects, and deterioration of the patient's general condition may affect adherence to drug therapy. In the present study, anhedonia was assessed on the Snaith-Hamilton SHAPS scale, anxiety-depressive manifestations using the HADS hospital anxiety and depression scale and quality of life according to the SF-36 questionnaire during 24 weeks of follow-up.The result of drug therapy with Vortioxetine was the relief of affective disorders in alcohol dependence, which contributed to the improvement of overall subjective well-being, the degree of satisfaction with the quality of life and a decrease in anxiety-depressive tendencies and anhedonia. In addition, minimal and minor adverse reactions when taking Vortioxetine affected the increased adherence of the examined patients to medical prescriptions and recommendations.Conclusions. The use of Vortioxetine in the treatment of affective disorders among patients suffering from alcohol dependence provides new opportunities to help people suffering from alcohol addiction. Vortioxetine can be recommended both at the stage of inpatient care and outpatient treatment, since when it was taken, stable positive dynamics of antidepressant, anti-anxiety and antiangedonic effects were recorded.

Deciphering the role of LncRNA in alcoholic liver disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a spectrum of liver damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption. The disease progresses in stages, starting with simple fatty liver, progressing to alcoholic hepatitis and potentially leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. The pathophysiology of ALD is complex and involves several cellular and molecular mechanisms. Recent research has highlighted the role of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) as critical regulators in the development and progression of ALD. This article reviews the current understanding of LncRNAs in ALD, focusing on their functions in key pathological processes and their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.