A new study carried out by researchers from the non-profit biomedical research institution Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and UConn Health has identified a novel potential treatment for binge drinking disorder. Specifically, the study results, published in the scientific journal Microbiome, reveal that the fatty acid sodium valerate produced by gut microbes can dramatically reduce binge drinking behaviour and blood ethanol concentration in mice after excessive alcohol consumption.

As part of the study, researchers administered three individual short-chain fatty acids to mice and found that sodium valerate was associated with a 40% reduction in alcohol intake and a 53% decrease in blood ethanol levels.

“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,” said Dr. Jason Bubier, senior research scientist at JAX, in a press release.

In addition, the study results also showed that administering sodium valerate significantly decreased binge drinking and anxiety-like or approach-avoidance behaviours compared to the control group of mice. It was also found that in mice who received sodium valerate, there were significant changes in gene expression related to neuroinflammation and neurotransmission. According to the study’s authors, these findings suggest that sodium valerate influences multiple signalling pathways in the brain, which may mediate its effects on alcohol consumption.

 “The implications of our study are significant,” said Dr. Yanjiao Zhou, associate professor of medicine at UConn Health. “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.”

In addition, according to the study’s authors, this research highlights the critical role of the gut microbiome in addiction, as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting the gut-brain axis.

“Sodium valerate supplementation, with its ability to reduce binge drinking and anxiety-like behaviours, offers a promising new avenue for treating alcohol use disorders,” states the press release.