Gene found responsible for alcohol consumption in humans - study

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Enjoying drinking and having fun is closely linked to a gene called beta-klotho. Lack of this gene in the human body leads to liking alcohol much more, a new research reveals.

The researchers reported on Monday that they have discovered a gene that can help them understand why some people tend to drink alcohol heavily while some others abstain from it without any difficulty.

The research involved mice with normal level of beta-klotho and mice engineered with lower levels. The mice with lower levels chose to drink more alcohol than the normal mice.

In humans also the matter is same except for the fact that beta-klotho has a slightly different version of this gene that creates the difference in people's choice of heavy drinking or less drinking, Dizz Bee reports.

Dr. David Mangelsdorf of the Texas University Southwestern Medical Center worked on the study. He observed clear difference in beta-klotho in those people who liked drinking more as compared to less.

The low drinking version of the gene was found in 42% of the people under study. Though, tiny but significant difference is called a single-nucleotide polymorphism or SNP.

Up till now no medicine is available for suppressing the craving for alcohol in people. Dr. Mangelsdorf is optimistic that the new findings can be used in treating alcoholism and binge drinking in people.

The available medicines for the treatment of alcoholism make the people sick and not feeling good, added Dr. Mangelsdorf.

There is a trail of high potency risks that alcoholics face. Starting from different sorts of cancers to heart diseases. Many health problems in alcoholics end up their life.  In the year of 2012 only, 3.3 million people died because of excessive consumption of alcohol, reports NBC News.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that in USA 140 million people consume alcohol, out of which 23% are classified as binge drinkers! And 6% are heavy drinkers. These statistics blow the minds.

With the new discovery of beta-klotho, it is hoped that a solid solution or treatment will soon be available to save many valuable lives from becoming victim of alcoholism!