Khaberni - A study conducted by researchers at the National University of Singapore revealed that a mutation in the CHRNA3 gene may be a cause of increased risk of alcohol addiction.
The researchers clarified that this gene regulates the activity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the body, and that carriers of this mutation have a reduced sensitivity to alcohol, allowing them to tolerate higher doses of it without feeling the usual sedative effects.
The scientists added that the genetic malfunction leads to a disruption in the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neural signals in the brain, which diminishes the body's natural response to alcohol and delays the feeling of aversion to it.
The researchers emphasize that this discovery will aid in developing customized strategies for the prevention and treatment of addiction, along with improving doctors' ability to predict genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction in individuals.
The study was published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
