Alcohol’s Impact on Sugar Pathways May Drive Addiction and Liver Injury

Researchers have uncovered a surprising connection between sugar metabolism and the development of alcohol addiction, offering a potential new target for treating alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). A study published in Nature Metabolism by the University of Colorado Anschutz found that alcohol activates a metabolic pathway that triggers the body to produce fructose internally. This process relies on the enzyme ketohexokinase (KHK), which appears to intensify alcohol-seeking behavior while contributing to liver damage.

In mouse studies, animals lacking KHK showed significantly less interest in alcohol during drinking and reward-based tests. They also exhibited reduced brain activity linked to addictive behavior. Additionally, blocking KHK through genetic methods or medication prevented alcohol-related liver injury, lowering fat accumulation, inflammation, and scarring.

The findings suggest that targeting fructose metabolism could help break the cycle between sugar and alcohol pathways, offering a promising approach for treating both alcohol addiction and liver disease.

18-11-2025