[Epigenetic changes in alcohol addiction and therapeutic perspectives].

Alcohol consumption remains a major public health problem. Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder can benefit from five treatments that target membrane receptors, but their efficacy is generally modest. A large body of experimental evidence points to an important role for epigenetics in the effects of alcohol, and epidrugs that modify the epigenome offer an alternative. This article reviews experimental evidence from animal models at different ages, compares it with human data, and assesses the relevance of using epidrugs. It also suggests a new therapeutic option linking psychedelics, recent molecules of interest, and epigenetic factors in alcohol intake.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is a major public health issue. Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can benefit from five treatments that preferentially target membrane receptors, and whose efficacy is generally modest. However, a large body of experimental evidence points to an important role for epigenetics in the effects of alcohol consumption, and epidrugs that modify the epigenome offer an interesting alternative to current therapeutic options. This article reviews the most striking experimental evidence obtained at different ages in animal models, before comparing it with data obtained in humans and concluding on the relevance of using epidrugs. Finally, a new therapeutic option is suggested between psychedelics, recent molecules of interest, and epigenetic factors in alcohol intake.