Probiotics can help you avoid hangovers by improving your gut health.According to a new study published

Key Highlights :

1. Alcohol is broken down into less toxic byproducts using enzymes called alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH).

2. There is a particular variant of the ADH1B enzyme that seems to be especially potent at breaking down alcohol.

3. Studies have found that there’s a particular variant of the ADH1B enzyme that is more commonly found in Asian and Polynesian populations of people.

4. There have been attempts to use gene therapy in mice so that they can produce the same variant, but that’s likely not an approach that’s feasible in humans anytime soon.

5. Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and elsewhere instead went with a different strategy. They genetically engineered a version of Lactococcus lactis - a bacteria used to create dairy products like cheese that is also commonly taken as a probiotic.

6. Their version was packaged with the same version of the ADH gene in humans that makes the potent ADH1B variant.

7. The team confirmed that the bacteria produced ADH1B, stuffed it into a capsule tough enough to survive stomach acid, and calculated a dose that was most likely to consistently affect alcohol breakdown in their lab mice.

8. Then they fed the mice the probiotic about an hour before trying to booze them up.

9. Compared to mice that didn’t receive the probiotic, the ADH1B-dosed mice absorbed less alcohol into their bloodstream, experienced fewer acute symptoms of drunkenness (such as not being able to stand up when placed on their backs), and returned to their normal selves faster, the researchers found.

10. Some evidence also suggested that their livers were less injured than usual (given enough time and exposure, alcohol causes chronic liver problems like cirrhosis).

Alcohol is a popular beverage consumed by millions of people worldwide. However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to severe health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and even death. While many people enjoy a drink or two, others may not be able to handle alcohol as well due to genetic differences. Researchers have discovered that a particular enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body. In this article, we will explore the science behind ADH and how researchers are trying to use it to help those who struggle with alcohol.

ADH is an enzyme found primarily in the liver that breaks down alcohol into less toxic byproducts. There are different variants of ADH, with some being more efficient at breaking down alcohol than others. One such variant is the ADH1B enzyme, which has been found to be especially potent at breaking down alcohol.

Studies have found that the ADH1B variant is more commonly found in Asian and Polynesian populations of people. This may explain why individuals from these populations tend to have a lower tolerance for alcohol than individuals from other populations. For example, Asians tend to experience more severe hangovers and are more likely to develop alcohol-related liver diseases.

Researchers have been exploring ways to use this knowledge to help those who struggle with alcohol. One approach has been to use gene therapy to produce the ADH1B variant in humans. However, this approach is not feasible in humans anytime soon. Instead, researchers have focused on a different strategy: using a probiotic bacteria to produce the ADH1B enzyme.

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and elsewhere genetically engineered a version of Lactococcus lactis, a bacteria commonly used to create dairy products like cheese and is also taken as a probiotic. Their version was packaged with the same version of the ADH gene in humans that makes the potent ADH1B variant.

The team confirmed that the bacteria produced ADH1B, packaged it into a capsule tough enough to survive stomach acid, and calculated a dose that was most likely to consistently affect alcohol breakdown in their lab mice. They then fed the mice the probiotic about an hour before attempting to intoxicate them with alcohol.

The results of the study were promising. Compared to mice that didn't receive the probiotic, the ADH1B-dosed mice absorbed less alcohol into their bloodstream, experienced fewer acute symptoms of drunkenness, and returned to their normal selves faster. Some evidence also suggested that their livers were less injured than usual.

While this research is still in its early stages, it holds promise for those who struggle with alcohol. However, it is important to note that the probiotic has only been tested in mice, and it may be some time before it is available for human use. Until then, it is crucial to practice responsible drinking habits and seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction.

Continue Reading at Source : gizmodo