Teenage alcohol consumption impacts metabolism, brain capacity

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital have found that teenage drinking leads to long-term changes in metabolism. According to the experts, some of these changes were particularly pronounced in young females who drink heavily.

“For instance, heavy-drinking adolescents showed increased concentrations of 1-methylhistamine, which, in turn, was associated with reduced brain grey matter volume,” explained study co-author Noora Heikkinen.

The body’s natural immune responses produce histamine, which leads to the formation of 1-methylhistamine.

“Our findings suggest that the production of histamine is increased in the brains of heavy-drinking adolescents,” said Heikkinen. “This observation can help in the development of methods that make it possible to detect adverse effects caused by alcohol at a very early stage. Possibly, it could also contribute to the development of new treatments to mitigate these adverse effects.”

The study was focused on teenagers living in eastern Finland, who were monitored over the course of 10 years. The metabolite profiles of both light and heavy drinkers were established, and their gray matter volumes were measured using MRI scans.

“What is new and significant about our study is the fact that we observed metabolite profile changes even in young people who consumed alcohol at a level that is socially acceptable,” explained Heikkinen. “Moreover, none of the study participants had a diagnosis of alcohol dependence.”

The results of the study indicate that metabolism and grey matter volume in the brain are negatively impacted among young people by drinking levels that are  considered to be moderate.

“This observation can help in the development of methods that make it possible to detect adverse effects caused by alcohol at a very early stage,” said Heikkinen.

“Possibly, it could also contribute to the development of new treatments to mitigate these adverse effects.”

“Although adolescent drinking is declining on average, we can see polarization: some adolescents are very heavy drinkers and they also use other substances.”

The study is published in the journal Alcohol.

—

By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer