Role of the ghrelin system in alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease: A narrative review.
Alcohol Clin Exp Res
; 46(12): 2149-2159, 2022 12.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36316764
ABSTRACT
Unhealthy alcohol consumption is a global health problem. Adverse individual, public health, and socioeconomic consequences are attributable to harmful alcohol use. Epidemiological studies have shown that alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are the top two pathologies among alcohol-related diseases. Consistent with the major role that the liver plays in alcohol metabolism, uncontrolled drinking may cause significant damage to the liver. This damage is initiated by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, which can further progress to advanced liver disease. The only effective therapeutic strategies currently available for ALD are alcohol abstinence or liver transplantation. Any molecule with dual-pronged effects at the central and peripheral organs controlling addictive behaviors and associated metabolic pathways are a potentially important therapeutic target for treating AUD and ALD. Ghrelin, a hormone primarily derived from the stomach, has such properties, and regulates both behavioral and metabolic functions. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding the peripheral and central functions of the ghrelin system and its role in AUD and ALD pathogenesis. We first discuss the correlation between blood ghrelin concentrations and alcohol use or abstinence. Next, we discuss the role of ghrelin in alcohol-seeking behaviors and finally its role in the development of fatty liver by metabolic regulations and organ crosstalk. We propose that a better understanding of the ghrelin system could open an innovative avenue for improved treatments for AUD and associated medical consequences, including ALD.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool
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Alcoolismo
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Grelina
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Hepatopatias Alcoólicas
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article