The hormone FGF21 was able to protect the mice from ethanol-induced imbalance. In this respect informs Cell Metabolism.
Consumption of ethanol produced by the fermentation of simple sugars in ripening fruits can cause poisoning by impairing mobility and judgment. Animals that consumed fructose and other simple sugars developed liver enzymes to break down ethanol.
FGF21 is a hormone induced by various metabolic stresses in the liver, including starvation, protein deficiency, and excess ethanol. In humans, ethanol is the most potent inducer of FGF21 described to date. Previous research has shown that FGF21 suppresses ethanol preference, promotes drinking water to prevent dehydration, and protects against alcohol-induced liver damage.
Stephen Cleaver of the University of Texas and colleagues identified a novel protective function of FGF21. During the experiments, the authors found that mice lacking FGF21 took longer to regain the reflexes, agility, and sense of balance slowed by alcohol. Conversely, pharmacological administration of FGF21 reduced the time required for mice to recover from ethanol-induced unconsciousness and lack of coordination.
At the same time, the hormone did not attenuate the similar effect caused by ketamine, diazepam, or pentobarbital, which showed specificity to ethanol. Going forward, the scientists hope to find out if administering FGF21 can help people sober up.
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