Another project will look at the role of a major brain transmitter in the way alcohol dependence begins and sustains itself. Scientists will test hormones' effects on the transmitter, which may explain why patterns of alcoholism are different in men and women. Some believe hormones may somehow protect many women from becoming alcohol-dependent. A third brain project will look at alcohol withdrawal anxiety and how that anxiety sustains addiction. Changes in brain chemicals induce withdrawal anxiety.
Scientists hypothesize that repeated withdrawals sensitize parts of the brain to anxiety.
To relieve withdrawal anxiety, alcoholics drink more, which develops into a continuing cycle. Two studies will zero in on alcohol-related liver disease. Cirrhosis of the liver is what eventually kills many alcoholics. It is a slow, progressive disease that starts with inflammation and leads to permanent scarring and liver failure. In one project, the Bowles scientists will use gene delivery of anti-oxidants to try to prevent liver disease.