Scientists Identify Key Enzyme That Links Alcohol to Addiction and Liver Damage

2 hours ago7 min read

In a landmark discovery with profound implications for treating alcohol-related disorders, researchers have identified a single enzyme that acts as a master switch for both the addictive properties of alcohol and its destructive effects on the liver. The study reveals that alcohol doesn't merely cause passive damage; it actively commandeers the body's internal sugar-production system.This process, which mirrors the metabolism of fructose, becomes abnormally activated by ethanol, leading the body to produce its own fructose. This internally generated fructose is believed to reinforce alcohol cravings, deepening the cycle of addiction.The pivotal player in this process is the enzyme ketohexokinase (KHK). In a series of experiments on mice, scientists found that pharmacologically blocking KHK produced dramatic results: the animals voluntarily consumed significantly less alcohol, and their livers showed markedly reduced injury, inflammation, and scarring.This dual action—simultaneously reducing the desire to drink and protecting the liver—suggests KHK inhibition targets both the neurological drivers of addiction and the metabolic pathways of tissue damage. The potential for human treatment is significant.Current therapies for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (ALD) are often limited to managing late-stage symptoms or transplantation. A treatment that intercepts the disease at its metabolic root would represent a major shift from reactive to proactive care.For those struggling with alcohol use disorders, a medication that reduces compulsive drinking while safeguarding the liver would be a revolutionary advance. However, translating these findings from mice to humans presents challenges.The long-term effects of inhibiting a fundamental enzyme like KHK are unknown, and alcohol dependency is a complex condition influenced by genetics, psychology, and environment. A KHK-targeting drug would likely be one component of a comprehensive treatment plan, not a standalone cure.This research also highlights the interconnected nature of metabolic diseases. The established link between high-fructose diets and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) now finds a parallel in alcohol consumption, suggesting that alcohol tricks the liver into behaving as if it's processing large amounts of sugar. As pharmaceutical companies explore developing safe KHK inhibitors, this discovery opens the door to a future where the devastating connection between alcohol consumption and liver disease could be chemically broken.

#lead focus news

#alcohol addiction

#liver disease

#enzyme KHK

#fructose pathway

#medical research

#mice study

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