Open AccessImmune Response to an Acute Moderate Dose of Alcohol in Healthy Young Adults
Author(s) -
Mollie A. Monnig,
Philip S Lamb,
José Manuel Aguilar Parra,
Patricia A. Cioe,
Christina M. Martone,
Peter M. Monti,
Gyöngyi Szabó
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alcohol and alcoholism (oxford)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.747
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 1464-3502
pISSN - 0735-0414
DOI - 10.1093/alcalc/agaa079
Subject(s) - immune system , alcohol , medicine , psychology , immunology , biology , biochemistry
Prior research on alcohol and the immune system has tended to focus on binge doses or chronic heavy drinking. The aim of this single-session preliminary study was to characterize immune response to moderate alcohol (0.60 g alcohol per kilogram body weight) in healthy, nonchronic drinkers. The sample (N = 11) averaged 26.6 years of age and was balanced in gender. Plasma samples were collected at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 hours postconsumption. Markers of microbial translocation [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and innate immune response [LPS-binding protein (LBP), soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14), and selected cytokines] were measured using immunoassays. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on subjective alcohol response and craving. Linear mixed models were used to assess changes in biomarkers and self-report measures. Breath alcohol concentration peaked at 0.069 ± 0.008% 1 hour postconsumption. LPS showed a significant linear decrease. LBP and sCD14 showed significant, nonlinear (U-shaped) trajectories wherein levels decreased at 1 hour then rebounded by 3 hours. Of nine cytokines tested, only MCP-1 and IL-8 were detectable in ≥50% of samples. IL-8 did not change significantly. MCP-1 showed a significant linear decrease and also accounted for significant variance in alcohol craving, with higher levels associated with stronger craving. Results offer novel evidence on acute immune response to moderate alcohol. Changes in LBP and sCD14, relative to LPS, may reflect their role in LPS clearance. Results also support further investigation into the role of MCP-1 in alcohol craving. Limitations include small sample size and lack of a placebo condition.