American researchers have discovered a special substance in the human body that helps cope with alcohol intoxication more quickly. This is the hormone FGF21, produced by the liver — it is already being called the "sobriety hormone".
How FGF21 Works
FGF21 is activated during metabolic stresses: fasting, protein or sugar deficiency. However, the strongest stimulus for its production is ethanol — the main component of alcohol. The hormone helps the body eliminate toxins, reduces liver damage, and, as it turns out, speeds up the sobering process.
Experiment on Mice
Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center conducted a series of experiments:
- In animals that had their FGF21 levels artificially increased, the symptoms of intoxication passed in just one and a half hours;
- In regular mice — after four hours;
- And in those whose hormone synthesis was blocked, recovery took almost six hours.
It turned out that FGF21 activates neurons in the locus coeruleus — the center of wakefulness and attention in the brain. At the same time, it does not affect the action of other sedative substances, such as ketamine or diazepam.
What This Means for Humans
Researchers believe that the "liver — brain" pathway activated by FGF21 evolved as a natural protective mechanism against alcohol intoxication. Specialists are currently studying whether this hormone can be used to create drugs that help recover more quickly after alcohol consumption.
Source: mir24.tv
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