Compound combats side-effects of 'binge-drinking'
26 Nov 2014
Scientists at the University of Huddersfield have developed a new compound that could tackle the side-effects of binge-drinking, according to a new study.
The compound, which has been successfully tested on laboratory rats, could also offer potential new ways to treat Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases that damage the brain.
Fundamental to the development of this “breakthrough drug” is a compound known as ethane-beta-sultam.
“One of things that alcohol does is to destroy some of the brain cells which are important for navigation and orientation
Lead researcher Mike Page
Ethane-beta-sultam is a taurine ’pro-drug’ - an effective form of medication that easily enters the blood stream before it is processed by the body into its active form, its developers said.
It is difficult for drugs to get into the brain because of the ’blood-brain barrier’, the natural defence mechanism that protects the brain, but which also presents a formidable obstacle to the medicinal treatment of neurological illness
However, when administered to rats undergoing a ’binge-drinking regime’, scientists discovered that ethane-beta-sultam reduced the brain cell loss and inflammation that normally result from bouts of heavy binge drinking, leading to symptoms such as decreased memory.
“One of things that alcohol does is to destroy some of the brain cells which are important for navigation and orientation,” said Mike Page from the University of Huddersfield.
“But a combination of alcohol and our compound could overcome this damage.”
Looking ahead, Page said it may be possible to use such compounds to help treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia which also result from a loss of brain activity.
Though Page conceded there are “many issues” surrounding the prospect of a drug that masks the effects of binge drinking, he said it might be sensible “for society to try and treat it in some way”.
