Medical Portal

Scientists from the Maastricht University identified the genetic mutation causing propensity to the excessive use of alcoholic drinks, informs magazine Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. In opinion of researchers headed by Esther van den Wildenberg, mutation affects structure of so-called mu-opioid receptor of the cells connecting beta-endorphin.
This substance called also «hormone of happiness», has anesthetizing action, and is generated in a human brain (in particular, during use of alcohol and other stimulators).
Scientists have settled that at presence of gene mutant variant or «G allele» the receptor connects beta-endorphin more strongly, than in case of more widespread «A allele». It appeared that carriers of G allele had considerably more expressed bent for alcohol, than A allele carriers. Scientists have also found out, that the men carrying G allele, much more often than others had experience of the use of narcotic preparations.
The new data can be used for revealing of the people having increased propensity to alcoholism development, and also for creation of new medical products, believes Esther van den Wildenberg.