Gabin Drouard, Teemu Palviainen, Chia-Ling Kuo, Breno S. Diniz, Xiaoling Wang, Miina Ollikainen, Antti Latvala, Jaakko Kaprio
{"title":"Protein Associations With Alcohol Consumption and Genetic Risk for Alcohol-Related Sociomedical Conditions","authors":"Gabin Drouard, Teemu Palviainen, Chia-Ling Kuo, Breno S. Diniz, Xiaoling Wang, Miina Ollikainen, Antti Latvala, Jaakko Kaprio","doi":"10.1111/adb.70045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70045","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Studies investigating proteomic associations with alcohol consumption and the genetic links of these proteins to alcohol-related traits are scarce. The aims of our study were (1) to identify proteins associated with alcohol consumption and (2) to investigate the molecular pathways and genetics linking the identified proteins to alcohol consumption and related sociomedical conditions. We generated proteomic and genotypic data from blood samples of 387 Finnish twins (age range: 56–70) and calculated polygenic risk scores (PRSs) of eight alcohol-related traits: obesity, alcohol dependence, number of drinks per week, number of cigarettes per day, major depressive disorders (MDDs), schizophrenia, externalising behaviour and educational attainment. We identified 20 (out of 2321) proteins associated with alcohol consumption, expressed as log ethanol grams per month, after Bonferroni correction and adjustment for BMI, sex and age. Within-pair analyses in monozygotic twin pairs showed that some of the identified associations persisted after accounting for genetic confounding. While only the PRS representing genetic risk for the number of alcoholic drinks per week was associated with alcohol consumption, several proteins were associated with PRSs, in particular the PRS of MDD. All identified proteins were significantly replicated in the UK Biobank, and pathway analysis suggested their collective connection to alcohol consumption might be explained by oxidative stress and cell damage. In conclusion, we identified several alcohol-associated plasma proteins whose levels are also linked to genetic risk for mental illness and substance use. Our study suggests the potential of proteins as biomarkers for early detection of alcohol-related disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70045","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144472878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stephanie M. Rutledge, Rohit R. Nathani, Patricia Miguez Arosemena, Daniel Suter, David Lehman, Timothy Brennan, Gene Y. Im
{"title":"Transient Elastography Increases Readiness for Change in Inpatients With Alcohol Use Disorder: The ELISA Pilot Study","authors":"Stephanie M. Rutledge, Rohit R. Nathani, Patricia Miguez Arosemena, Daniel Suter, David Lehman, Timothy Brennan, Gene Y. Im","doi":"10.1111/adb.70043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70043","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Opportunistic interventions (OIs) are health events facilitated by healthcare providers through education that can motivate individuals to adopt risk-reducing behaviours. Our aim was to evaluate transient elastography (TE) as an OI in patients with AUD by assessing changes in validated psychometric scores (PS) of alcohol insight and readiness for change. In this prospective, proof-of-concept pilot study, patients with AUD without TE in the past year were enrolled from an inpatient addiction unit. At baseline, three PS assessing insight and readiness to change were administered: Hanil Alcohol Insight Scale (HAIS), revised Readiness Ruler (RR) and Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES-8A). TE was performed, interpreted, and followed by repeat PS testing. The primary outcome was change in PS. Secondary outcomes were prevalence of fibrosis and steatosis on TE, alcohol use and linkage to hepatology care. From 4 January 2022 to 4 January 2023, 23 patients were enrolled: mean age: 51 years (SD ± 12), 74% male, 61% White and all with severe AUD, and mean of 20 (± 9) daily drinks, 286 g (± 127 g) or 35.7 (± 15.9) units of alcohol, for a median of 14 years (IQR 10–21.5). After TE, there were significant increases in revised RR and SOCRATES-8A from 5 to 8.6 (± 2.1, <i>p</i> < 0.01) and 81.5 to 85.0 (± 8.0, <i>p</i> = 0.04), respectively, indicating improved motivation and readiness for change. HAIS did not change: 11.1–11.0 (± 3, <i>p</i> = 0.36). Cirrhosis and steatosis grade ≥ 2 were detected in 4/23 (17%) and 8/23 (35%), respectively. In this pilot study, performing and interpreting results of TE to inpatients with AUD increase readiness for change and efficiently detects advanced fibrosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70043","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144339585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wadzanai Masvosva, Marko Lehtonen, Mika Martiskainen, Jari Tiihonen, Pekka J. Karhunen, Kati Hanhineva, Jaana Rysä, Eloise Kok, Olli Kärkkäinen
{"title":"Metabolic Alterations in Human Post-Mortem Frontal Cortex and Cerebrospinal Fluid Associated With High Levels of Nicotine Metabolite Cotinine","authors":"Wadzanai Masvosva, Marko Lehtonen, Mika Martiskainen, Jari Tiihonen, Pekka J. Karhunen, Kati Hanhineva, Jaana Rysä, Eloise Kok, Olli Kärkkäinen","doi":"10.1111/adb.70064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70064","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Cigarette smoking is the single most significant cause of preventable death in the world. Tobacco smoking causes exposure to thousands of chemicals and disrupts biological pathways. It impacts several organs, including the brain, where its effects are mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Women seem to be more susceptible to the negative health effects of smoking. In this study, we focused on the changes in the metabolic profile of human postmortem frontal cortex and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples associated with high levels of the nicotine metabolite cotinine. We used non-targeted metabolomics to analyse post-mortem frontal cortex and CSF samples from the Tampere Sudden Death Study cohort. We identified 137 cases (24 females) with high cotinine levels, indicating nicotine exposure. For controls, we identified 82 subjects (20 females) with no cotinine in the frontal cortex or CSF samples and no known history of smoking based on medical records and autopsy reports. Cases had significantly higher levels of 1-methylhistamine (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.66, <i>p</i> < 0.0001) and N-acetylputrescine (<i>d</i> = 0.84, <i>p</i> < 0.0001), and lower levels of aspartic acid (<i>d</i> = −0.53, <i>p</i> < 0.001), 3-methylhistidine (<i>d</i> = −0.58, <i>p</i> = 0.0004) and taurine (<i>d</i> = −0.47, <i>p</i> = 0.0002) in the frontal cortex compared to controls. Compared to the frontal cortex, differences between cases and controls were smaller in the CSF samples. Most of the observed differences were similar in both sexes, with a few exceptions like low ergothioneine levels, observed especially in female cases. In conclusion, smoking or nicotine exposure is associated with alterations in metabolites linked to increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, as well as reduced neurotransmitter levels in the frontal cortex.</p>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70064","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144323699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Opioid Use Disorder: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial","authors":"Soner Guldas, Selim Tumkaya, Bengu Yucens","doi":"10.1111/adb.70057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70057","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. The efficacy of brain stimulation methods in the treatment of OUD has been increasingly investigated. However, the efficacy of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, namely, wide-volume TMS, in the treatment of OUD has not been investigated. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled add-on study was to evaluate the efficacy of wide-volume TMS using a double-cone coil in participants with OUD. A total of 55 OUD patients were recruited and randomized to receive either active or sham TMS. Active wide-volume TMS treatment was applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the active TMS group using a double-cone coil, twice daily for 2 weeks, at a frequency of 10 Hz. Sham TMS was also applied to the same region in the placebo group using a placebo coil. Opioid Craving Visual Analogue Scale (OC-VAS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) were measured before treatment, at the end of treatment, and 2 months after treatment. A total of 21 patients from the active TMS group and 19 patients from the sham TMS group completed the study. Although the active TMS group exhibited more reduction in craving and a less pronounced increase in buprenorphine-naloxone dose during the treatment period compared to the sham group, these differences did not reach statistical significance. This study suggests that while wide-volume TMS using a double-cone coil applied to the left DLPFC was well tolerated, it did not produce statistically significant improvements in craving, depression, anxiety, or impulsivity when compared to the sham treatment. However, the observed trends warrant further investigation with larger sample sizes and refined protocols.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> <b>Trial Registration:</b> This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06081985)</h3>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70057","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144323340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Post-Retrieval Strategies to Reduce Drug Craving in Methamphetamine Use Disorders","authors":"Junjiao Li, Yuanyuan Dong, Wei Chen, Jian Wang, Xifu Zheng","doi":"10.1111/adb.70049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70049","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Post-retrieval interventions based on memory reconsolidation have shown promise in reducing addiction-related memories. However, research on methamphetamine (MA) use, particularly in humans, remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a post-retrieval intervention paradigm in managing methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) with 46 individuals from a compulsory drug rehabilitation centre. A single-blind design was employed, with participants randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) retrieval–no intervention, (2) retrieval–extinction and (3) retrieval–cognitive task. The study involved baseline testing, followed by memory retrieval using MA cues, and one of the three interventions during the memory reconsolidation window. The interventions were as follows: (1) no further intervention after retrieval, (2) extinction training and (3) playing Tetris after memory reactivation. Relapse was assessed through physiological and psychological indicators, with a focus on both spontaneous and cue-induced relapse of MUD memory. The results showed that both retrieval–extinction and retrieval–cognitive task showed benefits in reducing cravings and preventing relapse in MUD compared to retrieval alone. Physiological and psychological indicators of MA memory relapse showed weak correlation and differed across several dimensions. These findings suggest new strategies for MUD intervention and provide valuable insights for clinical treatment. Limitations of the study are also discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70049","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144323352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dennis F. Lovelock, Wen Liu, Sami Ben Hamida, Victoria L. Cordero, Kalynn J. Van Voorhies, Marion Martin, Isabella Guimaraes Olmo, Emmanuel Darcq, Md Toufiqur Rahman, Mickael Naassila, Brigitte L. Kieffer, Chunyang Jin, Joyce Besheer
{"title":"The GPR88 Agonist RTI-122 Reduces Alcohol-Related Motivation and Consumption","authors":"Dennis F. Lovelock, Wen Liu, Sami Ben Hamida, Victoria L. Cordero, Kalynn J. Van Voorhies, Marion Martin, Isabella Guimaraes Olmo, Emmanuel Darcq, Md Toufiqur Rahman, Mickael Naassila, Brigitte L. Kieffer, Chunyang Jin, Joyce Besheer","doi":"10.1111/adb.70058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70058","url":null,"abstract":"<p>GPR88, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor primarily expressed in the striatum, has emerged as a potential target for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) due to its role in modulating reward and motivational pathways. In this study, we investigated the effects of the GPR88 agonist RTI-122 on alcohol intake and motivation to self-administer alcohol under different conditions. In mice, RTI-122 reduced alcohol consumption in a two-bottle choice paradigm, which was prevented by <i>Gpr88</i> knockout, confirming a GPR88-specific effect on the attenuation of alcohol drinking. In rats, RTI-122 dose-dependently reduced operant alcohol self-administration and decreased motivation to self-administer alcohol in progressive ratio tasks, regardless of whether the alcohol was adulterated with quinine or not. Additionally, a high dose of RTI-122 reduced yohimbine-induced reinstatement. Importantly, RTI-122 did not affect water intake in mice or sucrose self-administration in rats, indicating receptor- and reward-specific modulation of alcohol intake. These findings suggest that RTI-122, through GPR88 agonism, effectively reduces alcohol consumption and motivation across various contexts, positioning it as a promising lead for the development of new AUD treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70058","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144323336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kaylee Brunetti, Zicong Zhou, Samia Shuchi, Raymond Berry, Sabrina White, Yan Zhang, Michael S. Allen, Shaohua Yang, Johnny D. Figueroa, Luis Colon-Perez
{"title":"Longitudinal and Concurrent Changes in Brain and Gut due to Morphine Self-Administration","authors":"Kaylee Brunetti, Zicong Zhou, Samia Shuchi, Raymond Berry, Sabrina White, Yan Zhang, Michael S. Allen, Shaohua Yang, Johnny D. Figueroa, Luis Colon-Perez","doi":"10.1111/adb.70059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70059","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Opioid agonists are known for their effects on the opioid and dopaminergic systems; however, new research points to complementary changes in the gut underlying maladaptive changes associated with opioid use. The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional signaling process that permits feedback between the brain and gut and is altered in subjects with opioid use disorders, but the spatiotemporal correspondence between quantitative translational measures of gut and brain health is not clear. In this work, we determined longitudinal and concurrent changes in the brain and gut of rodents trained to self-administer morphine for 14 days. Active lever presses delivered a single infusion of morphine (0.4 mg/kg/infusion). We used MRI and 16s rDNA analysis of faecal matter to identify changes from baseline (naïve, nondrug state) to an acute phase (early in the self-administration process, after 2 days of self-administration) and a chronic phase (late in the self-administration process, after 14 days of self-administration). Animals were scanned in a 7T MRI scanner three times (baseline, acute and chronic), and before scanning, faecal matter was collected from each rat. We found early changes in gut microbiota diversity and specific abundance as early as the acute phase that persisted into the chronic phase. In MRI, we identified alterations in diffusivity indices both within subjects and between groups, showing a main effect in the striatum and thalamus. We posit that gut changes precede the effects observed in MRI, with the striatum and thalamus emerging as crucial links mediating communication between the gut and the brain.</p>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70059","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144255999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ovarian Hormones and Addictive Behaviour Vulnerability: Insights From Preclinical Studies","authors":"Leonardo Vázquez-Morales, Gisela Aguirre, Tania Molina-Jiménez, Rossana C. Zepeda, Óscar López-Franco, Mónica Flores-Muñoz, Claudia Juárez-Portilla","doi":"10.1111/adb.70046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70046","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Substance use disorder constitutes a global health challenge. Preclinical investigations into addiction heavily rely on animal models to explore the underlying biological mechanisms of addictive disorders, with a particular emphasis on understanding the etiological factors influencing drug intake. Exploring sex differences across various phases of addiction has revealed a heightened vulnerability in females. This study systematically reviews the impact of ovarian hormones on the consumption of psychoactive substances in rodents, adhering to the PRISMA 2009 protocol. Our findings underscore the significant role of ovarian hormones, particularly oestrogen, in augmenting drug consumption among female rodents. Notably, with heroin, it was observed that progesterone, rather than oestrogen, facilitated increased consumption in female rodents. The susceptibility to addiction influenced by oestrogen is accentuated across distinct phases, and the molecular mechanisms form a complex interplay that significantly influences addictive behaviours. By bringing together these findings, we aim to establish a strong foundation for future studies. This work may guide clinical investigations in developing more effective prevention or treatment strategies that address the unique vulnerabilities of females to substance use disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70046","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144244171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Toward a Translational Model of Sex-Associated Pavlovian Phenotypes","authors":"Luigi A. E. Degni, Sara Garofalo","doi":"10.1111/adb.70054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70054","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A recent study by Hakus et al. (2025) demonstrated sex-associated differences in Pavlovian phenotypes in rodents, with females more likely to exhibit sign-tracking behaviour and males more likely to exhibit goal-tracking behaviour. In the present work, we provide evidence that similar patterns emerge in humans. Using a validated eye-tracking procedure in a Pavlovian learning paradigm, we show that women are more frequently classified as sign-trackers and quantitatively show greater sign-tracking behaviour than men in a large human sample. These results support the translational value of preclinical findings and highlight the importance of considering sex differences in incentive salience attribution. Given the established link between sign-trackers and addiction vulnerability, our findings may help refine our understanding of individual risk factors in the development of such disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70054","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144191014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Alcoholic Hepatitis in a Japanese Hospital: Losing Contact With Some Patients After Delirium Tremens May Lead to Missed Critical Events","authors":"Hisanori Muto, Teiji Kuzuya, Yoshihiko Tachi, Yoshiaki Katano, Naoki Ohmiya, Takashi Kobayashi, Satoshi Yamamoto, Naoto Kawabe, Hijiri Sugiyama, Seiya Hagihara, Misae Matsushita, Yutaro Kajino, Yosuke Nagano, Senju Hashimoto","doi":"10.1111/adb.70052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.70052","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In Japan, the establishment of diagnostic criteria for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in 2022 has increased the focus on alcoholic hepatitis. Most hospitals in Japan lack specialized treatment units or psychiatrists for managing alcohol use disorders, leaving hepatologists to handle various aspects of the disease—a challenging task. This study retrospectively investigated the outcomes of alcoholic hepatitis in a typical Japanese hospital setting, stratified by ACLF diagnosis and other features, with the aim of identifying areas for possible improvement. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 88 patients hospitalized with alcoholic hepatitis, reviewing records for the diagnosis of ACLF or related conditions, development of delirium tremens (DT), risk factors, and patient outcomes. Patients meeting the Japanese criteria for ACLF or related conditions had significantly worse survival outcomes. DT developed in 13 patients, with low platelet counts and elevated γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels identified as risk factors. Prophylactic oral benzodiazepines were found safe and significantly associated with preventing DT. Onset of DT during hospitalization did not measurably impact survival prognosis, but DT patients showed a tendency to break contact with our hospital and critical events may have been missed. While under hepatologist care, patients typically maintained sobriety, but relapse into alcohol-related health problems frequently occurred after follow-up was discontinued. In Japan, hepatologists may be missing important events with alcoholic hepatitis after follow-up discontinuation, especially in patients with DT. Therefore, integrated and collaborative care, particularly a psychosocial approach providing behavioural support, may reduce risk of relapse and improve patient prognosis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Trial Registration:</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>All study protocols were reviewed and approved by the ethics committee at Fujita Health University School of Medicine (approval no. HM23-213)</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7289,"journal":{"name":"Addiction Biology","volume":"30 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/adb.70052","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144191166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}