A 'sober' hormone that protects against the harmful effects of booze has been discovered by scientists. The chemical called FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) is produced in the liver. Injections stopped mice losing balance and co-ordination after consumption of alcohol.
It could help problem drinkers sober up, say scientists. Senior author Dr Steven Kliewer, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said: "We've discovered the liver is not only involved in metabolising alcohol. It also sends a hormonal signal to the brain to protect against the harmful effects of intoxication, including both loss of consciousness and co-ordination."
FGF21 is known to regulate metabolism and appetite - in particular reducing sugar consumption. Animals that consume natural sugars evolved liver enzymes to break down ethanol - or pure alcohol. Lab rodents lacking FGF21 took longer than littermates to recover following ethanol exposure.
