You can find a lot of anti-hangover recipes on the Web, but soon the need for them will disappear, writes Dr. Peter.
Scientists from the University of Texas report that just one injection of the FGF21 hormone instantly relieved drunk mice of all hangover symptoms. So, as part of the study, the experimental subjects were first drunk, and then after some time they were injected with a hormone. Just one injection saved the mice from a hangover – coordination of movements returned to normal, confusion of consciousness disappeared.
According to scientists, a similar effect from the injection can be expected in humans.
The hormone FGF21, or fibroblast growth factor 21, is a protein that is produced by the liver of all mammals when they are under metabolic stress or when something poses a threat to the body. It is activated when a person is hungry, deficient in protein or glucose. Or – on the contrary – when he overate or drank too much alcohol.
In the case of humans, the synthesis of the FGF21 hormone is most strongly stimulated by the intake of ethanol, whether it is wine, vodka or other strong drinks. In the case of animals, this also works – scientists are sure that their body has learned to cope with a hangover after they feasted on overripe fruits or fermented berries.
One way or another, the function of the FGF21 hormone lies in the natural protection that the liver turns on at the molecular level. Animal experiments prove that during alcohol intoxication, the hormone sends signals to a person about the need to drink more water in order to avoid dehydration, and affects certain areas of the brain to suppress cravings for another serving of alcohol.
During the experiment, the researchers carried out a simple manipulation, artificially increasing the level of the hormone in the blood of animals.
They bred a special line of lab mice whose livers didn’t produce FGF21 at all—apparently they got drunk faster and suffered the effects of the “party” for longer. But after they were injected with the hormone, the consciousness of the rodents sharply cleared up.
Scientists explain the effect as follows: the hormone, first of all, affects the brain, increasing alertness, concentration and readiness for action. It overcomes the blood-brain barrier that separates the circulatory system and the brain, directly affects the norepinephrine receptors located in the blue spot, which gives us vigor.
The researchers are now planning to test the miraculous “hangover cure” in humans.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
