Discovery could end alcohol addiction for millions
Gene therapy may offer a new path in treating alcohol addiction. Scientists are exploring an innovative method that focuses on the brain's reward system, specifically by re-establishing glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in the ventral tegmental area (VTA).
The therapy, which was tested on monkeys, has demonstrated significant promise in lessening alcohol dependence. This is achieved by altering particular neural pathways to diminish cravings and prevent relapse. The study revealed that reinstating GDNF in the VTA through gene therapy could assist in stabilizing the brain's reward system and alleviating the desire to drink. The monkeys chose water, completely avoiding alcohol. Their alcohol consumption was so minimal that blood-alcohol concentration became insignificant.
