Latest news with #NationalInstituteonAlcoholAbuseandAlcoholism
Medscape
21-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Pentoxifylline Ineffective in Alcoholic Hepatitis With AKI
Pentoxifylline, an anti–tumor necrosis factor alpha agent, did not improve survival outcomes in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODOLOGY: Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis is a life-threatening condition with corticosteroid treatment as the only therapy demonstrating short-term benefits, leading to the investigation of potential alternative therapies, such as pentoxifylline, particularly for patients having from AKI. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine the effect of pentoxifylline on mortality outcomes in patients meeting the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism clinical criteria for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis and AKI. The study included 525 patients (median age, 48 years; 26.1% women) from 20 centers across eight countries; participants were divided into two groups: The pentoxifylline group (n = 47) and the control group (n = 478). The primary endpoint was time to death, with liver transplantation considered a competing event. TAKEAWAY: Survival rates were comparable between the pentoxifylline and control groups at all timepoints: Day 30 (63.8% vs 63.7%), day 90 (46.2% vs 49.8%), and day 180 (39.6% vs 45.6%). Pentoxifylline use was not significantly associated with an increased risk for death ( P = .291); however, older age, higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores at admission, and the use of renal replacement therapy were significantly associated with an increased risk for mortality ( P < .02 for all). = .291); however, older age, higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores at admission, and the use of renal replacement therapy were significantly associated with an increased risk for mortality ( < .02 for all). An exploratory analysis focused on patients with more severe AKI (defined as having creatinine levels of ≥ 1.5 mg/dL) also showed similar results. The main causes of death in both groups were multiple organ failure, infections, esophageal variceal bleeding, and renal failure. IN PRACTICE: 'Pentoxifylline showed no significant benefit on mortality in patients with sAH [severe alcohol-associated hepatitis] and AKI,' the authors concluded, noting that 'further studies are needed to refine treatment strategies for this high-risk group.' SOURCE: This study was led by Francisco Idalsoaga, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, and was published online in eGastroenterology . LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature of this study may have introduced selection bias. This study could not evaluate the degree of alcohol abstinence achieved following hospitalization or include information on the initiation of therapy for alcohol use disorder, both of which could have influenced long-term outcomes. The lack of data on the exact duration and timing of pentoxifylline treatment further limited the interpretation of findings. DISCLOSURES: One author reported receiving financial support from the Chilean government through the Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cientifico y Tecnológico. One author reported being an editorial board member of eGastroenterology .
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
New Study Links Intestinal Cannabinoid Receptors to Alcohol-Induced Leaky Gut
A new study reveals that gut cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) plays a key role in alcohol binge-induced intestinal permeability, commonly known as 'leaky gut.' BETHESDA, MD, UNITED STATES, May 7, 2025 / / -- Heavy alcohol consumption is a leading cause of gastrointestinal diseases, with binge drinking linked to increased intestinal permeability—a condition commonly known as 'leaky gut.' Despite the significant health impact of alcohol-associated gastrointestinal disorders, effective pharmacological treatments remain limited. A new study published in eGastroenterology explores the role of gut cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) in alcohol binge-induced intestinal permeability and reveals how its inhibition can help protect the gut barrier. The research, conducted by scientists from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), demonstrates that alcohol bingeing increases endocannabinoid levels in the proximal small intestine, triggering CB1R activation in intestinal epithelial cells. This activation disrupts tight junction proteins, which generally maintain the integrity of the gut lining, leading to increased intestinal permeability. This process can allow harmful substances, such as bacteria and toxins, to enter the bloodstream, contributing to inflammation and other health complications. To investigate the role of CB1R, the researchers developed genetically modified mice with intestinal epithelial-specific CB1R deletion (CB1IEC−/− mice). They found that alcohol bingeing significantly increased gut permeability in normal mice, but this effect was absent in CB1IEC−/− mice, indicating that CB1R is a key mediator of alcohol-induced leaky gut. Additionally, the study examined the effects of pharmacological CB1R inhibition using a peripherally restricted CB1R antagonist (S)-MRI-1891. When administered to normal mice before alcohol bingeing, this compound successfully prevented the increase in intestinal permeability. However, the drug had no effect in CB1IEC−/− mice, further confirming that CB1R in the intestinal epithelium is responsible for alcohol-induced gut barrier disruption. Mechanistic studies revealed that CB1R activation in the gut epithelium triggers the ERK1/2 signalling pathway, which leads to the downregulation of tight junction proteins and a reduction in villus length—key factors contributing to a leaky gut. By inhibiting CB1R, researchers could reverse these changes, restoring gut barrier function and improving overall gut health. These findings hold significant implications for the treatment of alcohol-related digestive disorders. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs specifically designed to treat alcohol-induced intestinal permeability. The study suggests that targeting CB1R with peripherally restricted antagonists could provide a novel therapeutic approach, potentially preventing systemic inflammation and other complications associated with alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction. These insights could have broader applications in gastrointestinal health beyond alcohol-related gut disorders. The endocannabinoid system is known to influence gut motility, immune function, and microbiota composition, and its role in intestinal permeability suggests that CB1R inhibition may be beneficial in other conditions characterized by increased gut permeability, such as inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic disorders. However, the study also highlights some limitations. While CB1R inhibition effectively prevented alcohol-induced leaky gut, it did not significantly impact metabolic parameters or liver disease progression. This suggests that although a leaky gut contributes to alcohol-related health issues, other mechanisms are also at play in the development of liver disease and metabolic dysfunction. Future research will explore whether combining CB1R inhibitors with other therapeutic strategies could offer more comprehensive protection against alcohol-induced organ damage. Additionally, further studies are needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of CB1R antagonists in clinical settings. This groundbreaking study advances our understanding of the gut's response to alcohol and opens new avenues for targeted therapies. By identifying CB1R as a crucial mediator of alcohol-induced intestinal permeability, researchers have paved the way for potential pharmacological interventions that could help mitigate the harmful effects of binge drinking on gut health. Funder The authors received financial support from the Intramural Program of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH (Grant Nos. AA00350, AA000369, AA000368), the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (Grant No. PD-139012) and the János Bolyai Research Scholarship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. See the article: Maccioni L, Dvorácskó S, Godlewski G, et al. Gut cannabinoid receptor 1 regulates alcohol binge-induced intestinal permeability. eGastroenterology 2025;3:e100173. doi:10.1136/egastro-2024-100173 eGastroenterology is a new, open-access, and open peer-reviewed BMJ Journal, which focuses on basic, clinical, translational, and evidence-based medicine research in all areas of gastroenterology (including hepatology, pancreatology, esophagology, and gastrointestinal surgery). For more information, please visit: and follow us on Twitter (@eGastro_BMJ). Contact: Dr. Bin Gao National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland, USA Email: [email protected] Dr. George Kunos National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mom speaks out after son, 8, orders 30 boxes of Dum-Dums on Amazon
A Kentucky mom is speaking out after her 8-year-old son, who lives with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), unknowingly ordered 30 boxes of Dum-Dums lollipops on Amazon -- racking up a $4,200 charge. Holly LaFavers of Somerset told "Good Morning America" she was preparing for church last Sunday when for some reason she felt like checking her bank account. "I had just gotten paid, and so when I looked at my bank account and it was in the red I just immediately panicked," she recalled. "And then looked to see what was causing that, and I saw the $4,200 charge to Amazon. And so immediately looked over at Amazon [to] see what had happened." PHOTO: Holly LaFavers shared in a Facebook post that her son Liam ordered 30 cases of Dum-Dums without her knowledge. (Courtesy Holly LaFavers) She quickly discovered that her son Liam had placed the order. LaFavers, a single mother, explained that Liam, who was diagnosed with an FASD at age 4, is allowed to play on her phone as a reward. She said he often window-shops on Amazon, adding themed items -- like carnival supplies -- to the cart. But this was the first time he'd ever actually placed an order. "He knows he's not allowed to push the other button," she said. "Never has this happened before. He just likes to shop on there, window shop, I guess." Liam doesn't fully understand the concept of consequences, LaFavers said. "He knows that there were a lot of boxes delivered," she said. "He knows I've not let him open any of the boxes. He clearly saw me upset on Sunday…but he doesn't really understand that [by] buying all of that, the money came out of my account." Toddler orders 31 cheeseburgers off mom's delivery app According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can cause lifelong physical, behavioral and cognitive challenges due to prenatal alcohol exposure. Children with FASD may struggle with impulse control, emotional regulation, and understanding cause and effect. Liam came into LaFavers' life when he was 4 months old and was officially adopted when he was 2 and 1/2. She said educating others about FASD is one reason she's sharing her story. After discovering the order, LaFavers immediately called Amazon. She was instructed to reject the delivery to initiate a refund. The family stayed home from church to intercept the package, but despite tracking the delivery in the app, the first 22 boxes showed up without notice. "Liam went outside to ride his scooter and started screaming, 'My suckers are here,'" she said. "There were just 22 boxes of suckers on our front porch." PHOTO: Holly LaFavers shared in a Facebook post that her son Liam ordered 30 cases of Dum-Dums without her knowledge. (Courtesy Holly LaFavers) Two hours later, the remaining eight boxes arrived, which LaFavers was able to reject by waiting outside. She said she spent several hours communicating with Amazon, frustrated that she'd followed their guidance but was left with the bulk of the delivery. "It was probably around dinner time, Sunday evening, I just kind of, for lack of better words, gave up and decided I was gonna have to ask for help," she said. LaFavers shared her story on Facebook over the weekend, and her hometown of Somerset stepped in immediately. Within two hours, she said, every box was accounted for -- purchased by local banks, doctor's offices, and even a chiropractor. "I'm originally from Somerset, Kentucky, which is a much smaller community, but my friends and family in Somerset truly stepped up… and they were able to help," she said. "They understood that it wasn't anything malicious, and that I was an honest person. That's amazing." Eventually, Amazon agreed to refund the full amount. The company confirmed the refund to ABC News, and a spokesperson said in a statement: "We're glad we were able to work directly with this customer to turn a sticky situation into something sweet." LaFavers said some boxes are still in Lexington, Kentucky but others have already been shared. "We are at church right now, we just donated them a box, and then we'll take another box to Liam's school, and that will leave us with five left here in Lexington," she shared. Reflecting on the experience, she has one message for fellow parents. "Don't panic. And I panicked, I can say now that I'm on the other side of it, don't panic," she said. "Everything will eventually work out. Just have faith that everything will be OK, because it will be fine, and make sure you lock your phone." She also hopes this brings more awareness to FASD. LaFavers added, "These kids go undiagnosed because it's not as well known." Mom speaks out after son, 8, orders 30 boxes of Dum-Dums on Amazon originally appeared on
07-05-2025
- Health
Mom speaks out after son, 8, orders 30 boxes of Dum-Dums on Amazon
A Kentucky mom is speaking out after her 8-year-old son, who lives with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), unknowingly ordered 30 boxes of Dum-Dums lollipops on Amazon -- racking up a $4,200 charge. Holly LaFavers of Somerset told " Good Morning America" she was preparing for church last Sunday when for some reason she felt like checking her bank account. "I had just gotten paid, and so when I looked at my bank account and it was in the red I just immediately panicked," she recalled. "And then looked to see what was causing that, and I saw the $4,200 charge to Amazon. And so immediately looked over at Amazon [to] see what had happened." She quickly discovered that her son Liam had placed the order. LaFavers, a single mother, explained that Liam, who was diagnosed with an FASD at age 4, is allowed to play on her phone as a reward. She said he often window-shops on Amazon, adding themed items -- like carnival supplies -- to the cart. But this was the first time he'd ever actually placed an order. "He knows he's not allowed to push the other button," she said. "Never has this happened before. He just likes to shop on there, window shop, I guess." Liam doesn't fully understand the concept of consequences, LaFavers said. "He knows that there were a lot of boxes delivered," she said. "He knows I've not let him open any of the boxes. He clearly saw me upset on Sunday…but he doesn't really understand that [by] buying all of that, the money came out of my account." According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can cause lifelong physical, behavioral and cognitive challenges due to prenatal alcohol exposure. Children with FASD may struggle with impulse control, emotional regulation, and understanding cause and effect. Liam came into LaFavers' life when he was 4 months old and was officially adopted when he was 2 and 1/2. She said educating others about FASD is one reason she's sharing her story. After discovering the order, LaFavers immediately called Amazon. She was instructed to reject the delivery to initiate a refund. The family stayed home from church to intercept the package, but despite tracking the delivery in the app, the first 22 boxes showed up without notice. "Liam went outside to ride his scooter and started screaming, 'My suckers are here,'" she said. "There were just 22 boxes of suckers on our front porch." Two hours later, the remaining eight boxes arrived, which LaFavers was able to reject by waiting outside. She said she spent several hours communicating with Amazon, frustrated that she'd followed their guidance but was left with the bulk of the delivery. "It was probably around dinner time, Sunday evening, I just kind of, for lack of better words, gave up and decided I was gonna have to ask for help," she said. LaFavers shared her story on Facebook over the weekend, and her hometown of Somerset stepped in immediately. Within two hours, she said, every box was accounted for -- purchased by local banks, doctor's offices, and even a chiropractor. "I'm originally from Somerset, Kentucky, which is a much smaller community, but my friends and family in Somerset truly stepped up… and they were able to help," she said. "They understood that it wasn't anything malicious, and that I was an honest person. That's amazing." Eventually, Amazon agreed to refund the full amount. The company confirmed the refund to ABC News, and a spokesperson said in a statement: "We're glad we were able to work directly with this customer to turn a sticky situation into something sweet." LaFavers said some boxes are still in Lexington, Kentucky but others have already been shared. "We are at church right now, we just donated them a box, and then we'll take another box to Liam's school, and that will leave us with five left here in Lexington," she shared. Reflecting on the experience, she has one message for fellow parents. "Don't panic. And I panicked, I can say now that I'm on the other side of it, don't panic," she said. "Everything will eventually work out. Just have faith that everything will be OK, because it will be fine, and make sure you lock your phone." She also hopes this brings more awareness to FASD.
The Citizen
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
5 Tips for being a responsible drinker
WITH alcoholism and substance abuse gripping children as young as 13 years old, Sanca Zululand urges responsible drinking this Alcohol Awareness Month. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, research shows that people who begin drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder later in life. ALSO READ: Electronic voting open for public comment With this in mind, Sanca Zululand offers these practical tips for responsible drinking: 1. Know your limits: Pace yourself—have one drink per hour with water or a soft drink between alcoholic beverages. If you feel drunk, stop drinking. 2. Don't mix your drinks: Stick to one type of alcohol, and don't leave drinks unattended or accept opened bottles. 3. Don't drink and drive: If you plan to drink, don't drive. Arrange transport beforehand. Alcohol slows reaction times, making driving dangerous. 4. Avoid combining alcohol and other substances: Be cautious of mixing alcohol with both prescription and recreational drugs. 5. Use common sense: If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut and leave unsafe situations. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out: visit Sanca Zululand at 12 Jenner Road, Empangeni, Mon–Thurs 8am–4pm, Fri 8am–3pm, or call them on 035 7723290/01. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
