Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address:
Published: April 2024
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
The target of alcohol's effect on the central nervous system has been sought for more than 50 years in the brain's GABA system. The behavioral and emotional effects of alcohol in humans and rodents are very similar to those of barbiturates and benzodiazepines, and GABA receptors have been shown to be one of the sites of alcohol action. The mechanisms of GABAergic inhibition have been a hotspot of research but have turned out to be complex and controversial. Genetics support the involvement of some GABA receptor subunits in the development of alcohol dependence and in alcohol use disorders (AUD). Since the effect of alcohol on the GABA system resembles that of a GABAergic positive modulator, it may be possible to develop GABAergic drug treatments that could substitute for alcohol. The adaptation mechanisms of the GABA system and the plasticity of the brain are a big challenge for drug development: the drugs that act on GABA receptors developed so far also may cause adaptation and development of additional addiction. Human polymorphisms should be studied further to get insight about how they affect receptor function, expression or other factors to make reasonable predictions/hypotheses about what non-addictive interventions would help in alcohol dependence and AUD.
Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) primarily arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and dietary factors. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages in managing CRC. This study investigates the factors influencing dynamic intestinal obstruction following laparoscopic colorectal radical surgery.
Background: Adolescent substance abuse is a growing public health concern. Adolescence is the starting point for adult substance misuse. The likelihood of acquiring dependence in adulthood is significantly decreased when substance use is not initiated during adolescence.
Introduction: Chronic alcohol exposure in humans and rodents causes tolerance to the analgesic effects of alcohol, and enhances pain sensitivity during alcohol withdrawal (i.e., hyperalgesia).
Background: Although alcohol consumption is considered one of the risk factors for delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, quantitative research on the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the development of delirium in the ICU remains relatively scarce.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database, including all patients admitted to the ICU for the first time and underwent delirium assessment. Patients were divided into AUD and non-AUD groups, with the primary outcome being the occurrence of ICU delirium.
