The role of astrocytes in alcohol abuse and addiction mechanisms

Authors

  • Hiluf Hindeya Gebreyesus, Assistant Professor of Medical Physiology Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Physiology Author
  • Guesh Meressa Wuneh. Lecturer of Medical Physiology Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Physiology Author
  • Robel Abay Tesfamariam, Assistant Professor of Medical Physiology Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Physiology Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71624/0zz05443

Keywords:

Alcohol, Alcohol exposure, Addiction, Astrocytes, EAAT1 and EAAT2, Protein markers

Abstract

Background 
Alcohol abuse and addiction represent significant worldwide public health challenges impacting both individuals and communities, leading to various physiological, psychological, and neurobiological effects. Research studies showed that glial cells, particularly astrocytes, are important in the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), even though a lot of focus has been placed on the role of neurons in alcohol-induced brain damage. They express excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT1 and EAAT2), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), brain-derived growth factor (BDGF), Toll-like receptor 4 (TRL4), and nuclear factor kappalight-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFK-B), all crucial for their regulatory roles. 
Objectives 
This review seeks to clarify the influence of astrocytes on alcohol addiction by exploring their roles, interactions with neurons, and the molecular processes that underlie alcohol-related disorders. 
Methods
The review utilized 52 research articles across several databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholars. Based on their available data, a depth comprehensive review was done on 41 screened research articles and scholar opinions.
Results 
Therefore, we concentrated on the cellular changes observed in nucleus accumbens core (NAc) astrocytes following alcohol exposure. Research studies utilizing animal models of addiction and relapse indicate that alcohol-seeking behavior is associated with modifications in cortico-accumbal plasticity due to chronic alcohol exposure.
Conclusions 
Importantly, maladaptive reactions to alcohol resulted in lifelong alterations in protein expression within accumbal astrocytes that are essential for glutamate balance. These alterations contribute to the dysregulation of glutamate signaling in the cortico-accumbens circuit, correlating with the resurgence of drug-seeking behavior. Grasping the complex relationships between astrocytes and alcohol abuse may provide new insights for developing focused therapeutic strategies for alcohol addiction. 

Author Biographies

  • Hiluf Hindeya Gebreyesus, Assistant Professor of Medical Physiology, Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Physiology

    Hiluf Hindeya Gebreyesus is an Assistant Professor of Medical Physiology at Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Department of Medical Physiology located in Ethiopia. He has established a significant academic presence in the field of medical physiology, contributing to both teaching and research within the College of Health Sciences. Hiluf obtained his MSc in Medical Physiology from Addis Ababa University, where he developed a strong foundation in medical sciences. His academic journey has been marked by a commitment to advancing knowledge in physiology, particularly as it pertains to health and disease.

  • Guesh Meressa Wuneh. Lecturer of Medical Physiology, Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Physiology

    Guesh Meressa Wuneh is a Lecturer of Medical Physiology at Mekelle University in Ethiopia. He is actively involved in the academic development of students in the field of medical physiology, contributing to both teaching and research efforts within the College of Health Sciences. Guesh obtained his educational qualifications in medical physiology from reputable institutions, which laid a strong foundation for his career in academia. His training has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of physiological processes and their implications for health and disease.

  • Robel Abay Tesfamariam, Assistant Professor of Medical Physiology, Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Physiology

    Robel Abay Tesfamariam is an Assistant Professor of Medical Physiology at Mekelle University, Department of Medical Physiology in Ethiopia. He specializes in Physiotherapy and Medical Physiology, contributing significantly to both education and research in these fields. Robel completed his advanced studies in medical physiology, acquiring a robust foundation that informs his teaching and research methodologies from Addis Ababa University. His academic journey reflects a commitment to understanding the complexities of physiological processes and their health implications.

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Published

28-07-2025

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): East African Journal of Health Sciences

Section

Articles

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License

Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This journal and its articles are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

How to Cite

1.
Hindeya Gebreyesus H, Meressa Wuneh G, Abay Tesfamariam R. The role of astrocytes in alcohol abuse and addic￾tion mechanisms. East Afr J Health Sci. [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 28 [cited 2025 Sep. 24];7(1):923-31. Available from: https://journal.mu.edu.et/index.php/eajhs/article/view/631