Authors: F. Kiefer; H. Jahn; M. Schick; K. Wiedemann

Source: Alcohol and Alcoholism, Volume 37, Number 4, 1 July 2002 , pp. 401-404(4)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

— Aims: Since the appetite-regulating peptide leptin was recently found to be highly correlated with both craving for alcohol and lifetime ethanol intake, the aim of our study was to test the hypothesis whether tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) might be the factor that links alcohol intake with elevated leptin levels. Methods: TNF-, leptin, and alcohol craving were assessed in male alcohol addicts at the onset of alcohol withdrawal and in matched controls. Results: Increased leptin plasma levels in alcohol addicts correlated significantly with an enhanced secretion of TNF-, which was itself related to the duration of alcohol misuse. Conclusions: Since leptin was shown to be associated with alcohol craving, a possible vicious circle is suggested, including the components: alcohol intake, increase of TNF-, enhanced leptin secretion, enhanced alcohol craving, and consecutively increased alcohol intake.

Document Type: Rapid communication

Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Hamburg, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany

Publication date: 2002-07-01

More about this publication?

• Alcohol and Alcoholism publishes papers on biomedical, psychological and sociological aspects of alcoholism and alcohol research, provided that they make a new and significant contribution to knowledge in the field. Papers include new results obtained experimentally, descriptions of new experimental (including clinical) methods of importance to the field of alcohol research and treatment, or new interpretations of existing results. Theoretical contributions are considered equally with papers dealing with experimental work provided that such theoretical contribution are not of a largely speculative or philosophical nature. Alcohol and Alcoholism is the official journal of the Medical Council on Alcohol.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Neurology & Psychiatry ,  Social & Public Welfare
• By this author: F. Kiefer ;  H. Jahn ;  M. Schick ;  K. Wiedemann

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers