While alcohol can have a lot of side effects the next day, a hormone injection to alleviate them is in development.
Consuming alcohol is not without consequences on our body. According to the sensitivity of each, the side effects of the drink can be more or less intense. And the greater the quantity consumed, the more difficult it is to live with the “hangover” of the next day.
In order to mitigate these side effects, there are tips such as eating between two glasses, drinking non-alcoholic drinks between two or eating a banana. However, apart from headache medication, it is not yet possible to cure a hangover. However, that may well change thanks to a startling discovery.
American researchers wanted to verify a hypothesis. Since there exists a hormone capable of protecting the liver from the effects of alcohol, what happens if this hormone is injected in large quantities after drinking? The answer to this question has recently published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
A first test carried out on mice
To better understand the interest of such an injection, it is necessary to look at the hormone concerned. In effect, the FGF21 hormone has several unique features. First of all, she is produced directly by our organization from the liver. In fact, it is easily assimilated by the body and theoretically without health risks.
Then it was shown that this hormone regulates our energy level, our insulin sensitivity and our weight. But above all, it is able to protect the liver from the side effects of alcohol.
The researchers therefore prepared syringes containing a large amount of FGF21 hormone. The dosage varied in order to know if the injection had a real impact. Before the injection, they first gave ethanol to mice. Animals had to consume it until they passed out to mimic the effects of a human hangover.
Mitigate the effects of alcohol twice as fast with an injection of FGF21
After the injections, the researchers found that some mice woke up more quickly from their coma. Those who had received the highest dosage of FGF21 woke up on average 2 times faster than others. In addition, the finding was identical in both male and female mice.
However, this type of injection will not yet be used right away. In addition, the researchers do not want to use it only after a drunken evening after. If it is authorized on humans, this injection could in particular help patients suffering from an alcoholic coma in the emergency room.