Study: Brain injections for Parkinson’s could treat alcoholism
Study: Brain injections for Parkinson’s could treat alcoholism NewsNation Now
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Study Shows Potential of Gene Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder
A recent study conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University has discovered that a treatment originally developed for Parkinson’s disease could also be effective in treating individuals suffering from alcohol-related substance use disorders.
Implanting a Virus to Alter Dopamine Pathways
The researchers implanted a virus carrying a specific gene that codes for a protein into the brains of monkeys. The goal was to modify the brain’s dopamine pathways, which are associated with pleasure and reward.
The protein used in the study is called glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). By enhancing the neurons in the brain that produce dopamine, the researchers aimed to increase the levels of this feel-good chemical.
Reducing Alcohol Consumption through GDNF Procedure
Chronic alcohol consumption leads to a decrease in dopamine levels in the brain. This can result in individuals drinking more in an attempt to experience the pleasurable effects of dopamine production.
The study revealed that monkeys who underwent the GDNF procedure experienced a reduction of over 90% in their alcohol consumption compared to a control group that did not receive the treatment.
Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Gene Insertion
In order to insert the virus into the brain, the researchers utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide them during the gene injection process. This technique is already employed in treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
Limitations and Future Considerations
Due to the invasive nature of the treatment involving brain surgery, the researchers suggest that it would only be suitable for individuals with extremely severe alcohol dependency.
Overall, this study highlights the potential of gene therapy in addressing alcohol use disorder and offers hope for the development of innovative treatments that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate |
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance | Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses a new treatment developed for Parkinson’s disease that could also be used to treat alcohol-related substance use disorders. This directly relates to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 1: No Poverty
While not the main focus of the article, it briefly mentions that the treatment would only be useful for treating those with extremely severe alcohol dependency. This indirectly connects to SDG 1, which aims to end poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
The article discusses the potential use of a treatment developed for Parkinson’s disease to treat alcohol-related substance use disorders. This aligns with the target of strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
While not explicitly mentioned in the article, the treatment could potentially contribute to reducing premature mortality from alcohol-related substance use disorders, which fall under non-communicable diseases.
Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance
The article briefly mentions that the treatment would only be useful for treating those with extremely severe alcohol dependency. This indirectly connects to the target of ensuring equal access to basic services for the poor and vulnerable.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders
The article mentions the use of a treatment developed for Parkinson’s disease to treat alcohol-related substance use disorders. This aligns with the indicator of measuring the coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders.
Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate
While not explicitly mentioned in the article, the treatment could potentially contribute to reducing the suicide mortality rate associated with alcohol-related substance use disorders.
Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure
The article briefly mentions that the treatment would only be useful for treating those with extremely severe alcohol dependency. This indirectly connects to the indicator of measuring the proportion of the population with secure access to basic services, including healthcare.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate |
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance | Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: newsnationnow.com
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