Effects of a GHSR Blocker on Alcohol Use Disorder
Author Information
Author(s): Faulkner Monica L., Farokhnia Mehdi, Lee Mary R., Farinelli Lisa, Browning Brittney D., Abshire Kelly, Daurio Allison M., Munjal Vikas, Deschaine Sara L., Boukabara Selim R., Fortney Christopher, Sherman Garrick, Schwandt Melanie, Akhlaghi Fatemeh, Momenan Reza, Ross Thomas J., Persky Susan, Leggio Lorenzo
Primary Institution: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Hypothesis
Can PF-5190457 reduce alcohol and food cue-elicited craving and neural activation in individuals with alcohol use disorder?
Conclusion
The study found that PF-5190457 did not reduce alcohol craving but decreased the number of calories selected in a virtual buffet.
Supporting Evidence
- PF-5190457 did not reduce cue-elicited alcohol craving.
- PF-5190457 reduced virtual calories selected in the VR environment.
- Participants completed an alcohol cue-reactivity experiment and a virtual food choice experiment.
Takeaway
This study tested a new drug to see if it could help people who drink too much alcohol feel less hungry for alcohol and food, but it didn't work as hoped.
Methodology
The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 42 participants who received either PF-5190457 or placebo in a controlled setting.
Potential Biases
The controlled inpatient setting may have influenced participants' craving responses.
Limitations
The study was terminated early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a smaller sample size than planned.
Participant Demographics
42 individuals with alcohol use disorder, including 29 males and 13 females, aged 18-70.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p=0.04
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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