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Chronic Alcohol Use Alters Key Brain Gene Expressions

2/9/2026

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Story summary
  • Researchers at the Institute for Neurosciences report that chronic alcohol use disorder (AUD) alters endocannabinoid gene expression in regions of addiction.
  • CB1 receptor gene expression rises 125% in the prefrontal cortex and 78% in the nucleus accumbens among individuals with AUD.
  • CB2 receptor gene expression decreases by nearly 50%, suggesting impaired neuroprotective functions in AUD.
  • The study, published in Addiction, notes FAAH gene expression varies regionally, affecting anandamide availability.