Study Explores Sodium Valerate as a Treatment for Binge Drinking
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In a study published in Journal Microbiome, researchers from The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and UConn Health have discovered that sodium valerate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut microbes, can dramatically reduce binge drinking behavior and blood ethanol concentration in mice, offering promising insights into the gut-brain axis and presents a novel therapeutic approach for excessive alcohol use.
Excessive alcohol consumption is a major public health issue, causing numerous health and social problems and imposing a significant economic burden. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects approximately 29.5 million people aged 12 and older and often coexists with anxiety disorders. To address this, the FDA has approved medications such as acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone for the treatment of AUD.
Sodium valerate, a derivative of valeric acid, is primarily known for its anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing properties. It is commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Recent research suggests it may also have potential therapeutic benefits in reducing binge drinking, highlighting its role in modifying neurotransmitter activity and influencing behavior related to alcohol consumption.
In a study, researchers investigated the effects of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) supplementation on alcohol consumption in mice. They found that sodium valerate reduced alcohol intake by 40% and blood ethanol levels by 53%. Molecular changes suggested its potential as a therapy for binge drinking.
Further analyses compared mice given sodium valerate to those given sodium chloride (table salt) as a control. Sodium valerate not only decreased binge drinking but also reduced anxiety-like behaviours. Additionally, increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter linked to alcohol use disorders, were found in the brain, stool, and blood of mice after sodium valerate supplementation.
“The study expands our understanding of the important relationship between the gut microbiome and alcohol consumption. There is strong evidence that binge drinking significantly alters the microbiome in ways that accelerate the cycle of addiction via the gut-brain axis. Our findings provide a possible biological explanation for why that occurs and identify a potential therapy for reducing excessive alcohol use. The implications of our study are significant. By demonstrating how sodium valerate alters gene expression and neurotransmitter levels, we provide a multifaceted explanation for its potential as a treatment for excessive alcohol consumption,” said the researchers.
Reference: Bokoliya, S.C., Russell, J., Dorsett, Y. et al. Short-chain fatty acid valerate reduces voluntary alcohol intake in male mice. Microbiome 12, 108 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-024-01829-6
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