Scientists Discover Protective Protein That Might Help Treat Alcoholic Liver Disease And Alcoholism

Similar results were seen in mice. It was observed that for mice who were bred to lack FGF21, binging on alcohol led to more liver damage than that seen in wild-type mice, along with an increased expression of genes involved in inflammation in the liver.

The team revealed that alcohol consumption induces FGF21 as a protective response in the liver that reduces the degree of alcohol-induced damage.The scientists claimed that the mice which were bred to over express FGF21 consumed less alcohol than wild-type mice. A similar effect was observed when the wild-type mice were directed with extra FGF21, which led them to prefer water over alcohol.

The findings revealed the dual role FGF21 may be playing in alcohol metabolism. The rise in FGF21 in response to alcohol consumption inhibits further drinking. Chronically, the rise in FGF21 expression in the liver may protect against liver damage.

The team hopes that their results may encourage the development of drugs that mimic FGF21 for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease, and possibly to produce alcohol aversion.