Research news for 11.2.07Numerous cell, animal and human studies have shown that heavy drinking leads to bone loss. New research conducted in rats now suggests that vitamin D or the anti-osteoporosis drug Boniva (ibandronate) can prevent alcohol-related bone loss caused by regular binge drinking.
"We know that repeated binge drinking resulting in high alcohol levels over time results in osteoporosis," principal investigator Dr. Frederick H. Wezeman from Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, told Reuters Health.
"We've been able to intervene and prevent this by higher doses of vitamin D -- an over-the-counter and convenient food additive -- as well as the bisphosphonates (like Boniva), which can be prescribed." In the rat study, Wezeman and colleagues observed that large quantities of alcohol, similar to those taken in by binge drinkers, led to a significant decrease in bone mineral density and bone strength.
"If you are an alcoholic, you are damaging your skeleton," Wezeman said. Reuters
Duane F. Reinert, John P. Allen (2007) The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: An Update of Research Findings, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 31 (2), 185–199.
The authors conclude: Research continues to support use of the AUDIT as a means of screening for the spectrum of alcohol use disorders in various settings and with diverse populations.
Jorge Juárez, Barrios De Tomasi Eliana (2007) Alcohol Consumption Is Enhanced After Naltrexone Treatment Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 31 (2), 260–264.
Background: It is well known that alcohol increases opioid activity, which can contribute to the reinforcing effect of alcohol. Clinical studies have supported reductions in alcohol consumption among alcoholic patients during treatment with opioid antagonists (OAs) and its use is recommended for this purpose. Experimental studies have demonstrated opioid receptor up-regulation after several days of OA treatment, which increases the availability of these receptors. On this basis, the physiological conditions in the period immediately after the OA treatment could increase the reinforcing value of alcohol and in this way enhance alcohol consumption.
Conclusion: The results show that alcohol intake may increase after the Ntx treatment, particularly when alcohol is not available during treatment with the OA, and that this may be due to a higher availability of opioid receptors in that period.
Contributor: Libby Ranzetta Alcohol Policy UK
