Scientists test  a jab to counteract intoxication

A study conducted by academics at Southwestern University in Texas has found that a liver-produced hormone could help those intoxicated quickly regain consciousness and coordination.
According to the research, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, the hormone FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21), which is usually found in the liver, could potentially target the liver-brain pathway and treat acute alcohol poisoning.
The study found that a jab of FGF21 quickly reversed the physical effects of intoxication in mice that passed out from binge drinking levels of alcohol and helped them regain their composure. Scientists hope the discovery will lead to effective treatments and drugs for acute alcohol intoxication.
Dr Steven Kliewer, of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and lead author of the study, stated: “By increasing FGF21 concentrations even higher by injection, we can dramatically accelerate recovery from intoxication. FGF21 does this by activating a very specific part of the brain that controls alertness… Increasing alertness and wakefulness would be helpful both for avoiding the need for intubation (unconscious patients can choke to death on their vomit) and for speeding up evaluation and treatment of other concurrent injuries.”
Kliewer also disclosed how, during the study, he and his team had “discovered that the liver is not only involved in metabolising alcohol but that it also sends a hormonal signal to the brain to protect against the harmful effects of intoxication, including both loss of consciousness and coordination.”
Source: Choi M, Schneeberger M, Fan W, Bugde A, Gautron L, Vale K, Hammer RE, Zhang Y, Friedman JM, Mangelsdorf DJ, Kliewer SA. FGF21 counteracts alcohol intoxication by activating the noradrenergic nervous system. Cell Metab. 2023 Mar 7;35(3):429-437.e5.