DPDPE significantly stimulated [35S]-GTPgammaS binding in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), CA1, cerebellum, and inferior colliculus of untreated pair-fed controls. By contrast, DPDPE-stimulated [35S]-GTPgammaS binding was reduced significantly in those brain regions in the ethanol-consuming group. DAMGO stimulated [35S]-GTPgammaS binding in cortex, caudate, nucleus accumbens, DG, CA1, and superior and inferior colliculi, whereas the DG, CA1, and colliculi showed a significant reduction of binding after chronic ethanol. Basal [35S]-GTPgammaS binding was not different between the two diet groups. CONCLUSIONS These data are the first to demonstrate functional uncoupling of delta-ORs from G proteins after chronic ethanol consumption. Uncoupling may result from modulation of receptors, possibly by internalization or phosphorylation. Alterations in functional coupling of both delta- and mu-ORs and subsequent effects may contribute to continued ethanol consumption.

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A public change to healthier lifestyles with more physical activity and better nutrition, including caloric restriction, is required to address the obesity epidemic. Weight loss can be achieved by caloric restrictions; current research suggests that this may be achieved by consumption of slowly absorbed carbohydrates owing to the resulting prolonged satiety. Our rationale was to prolong the satiety of overweight volunteers by supplementation with a proprietary formulation Glucaffect which delays absorption of carbohydrates. Glucaffect provides potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitors of herbal source such Pycnogenol, Madeglucyl and various others which obstruct absorption of carbohydrates, such as starch. Fifty overweight subjects received either Glucaffect or an inactive control product for eight weeks. Consumption of Glucaffect was found to statistically significantly lower blood-fasting glucose from baseline 145.3 mg/dL to 101.1 mg/dL (-30.4%) and Hba1c from 7.59% to 6.33% as compared to the control group where values decreased only marginally. The weight and the body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly from an average of 88.5 kg (BMI 26.8 kg/m2) to 81.3 kg (BMI 24.5 kg/m2) as compared to the control group. In conclusion, Glucaffect enabled subjects with metabolic syndrome to achieve healthy BMI and blood glucose levels. Glucaffect was well tolerated and no subject dropped out.