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Circadian rhythmicity is regulated by circadian clock genes, and animal studies have shown that chronic drinking can alter expressions in these genes. A new study has found that significantly lower levels of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) – a molecule of RNA that helps to manufacture proteins – in circadian clock genes in alcohol-dependent (AD) patients support a relationship between circadian clock gene dysregulation and drinking in humans. (Source: Medical News Today, 8/26/10)

Polymorphisms Of The Interleukin-1 Gene Complex May Influence Alcohol Dependence
Cytokines are small proteins secreted by cells that serve as molecular messengers between cells. Pro-inflammatory cytokines – which function in the immune system- may be involved in alcohol dependence (AD). A study of three polymorphisms of the interleukin-1 gene complex (IL-1) and one of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) has found that IL-1 may directly contribute to AD among Spanish Caucasian males. (Source: Medical News Today, 9/21/09)