Therapeutic strategies of small molecules in the microbiota-gut-brain axis for alcohol use disorder.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is important in maintaining the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS) and is regulated by the CNS environment and signals from the peripheral tissues. However, the mechanism and function of the MGBA in alcohol use disorder (AUD) are still not completely understood. In this review, we investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the onset of AUD and/or associated neuronal deficits and create a foundation for better treatment (and prevention) strategies.

Hangover headache and its behavioral changes in rats.

Objectives: The present study aims to establish and evaluate a rat model for hangover headaches caused by alcoholic drinks.

Materials And Methods: Chronic migraine (CM) model rats were divided into 3 groups, and intragastrically administered alcoholic drinks (sample A, B, or C) to simulate hangover headache attacks. The withdrawal threshold for the hind paw/face and the thermal latency of hind paw withdrawal were detected after 24 hr.

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Plant Extract Prevents Alcohol-Induced Osteopenia.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced in the treatment of bone diseases and alcoholism. Chronic excessive alcohol use results in alcohol-induced bone diseases, including osteopenia and osteoporosis, which increases fracture risk, deficient bone repair, and osteonecrosis. This preclinical study investigated the therapeutic effects of TCM herbal extracts in animal models of chronic excessive alcohol consumption-induced osteopenia.

Quercetin in Tartary Buckwheat Induces Autophagy against Protein Aggregations.

Tartary buckwheat is used as an ingredient in flour and tea, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine for its antioxidant effects. Here, we found that an ethanol extract of tartary buckwheat (TBE) potently induced autophagy flux in HeLa cells by suppressing mTORC1 activity, as revealed by dephosphorylation of the mTORC1 substrates Ulk1, S6K, and 4EBP, as well as by the nuclear translocation of transcriptional factor EB. In addition to non-selective bulk autophagy, TBE also induced aggrephagy, which is defined as autophagy against aggregated proteins.