Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Microglia express PRRs, produce cytokines, and modulate neuroinflammatory reactions in brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases (Block, Zecca et al. 2007). In Sprague Dawley rats exposed to 25% (w/v) ethanol via intragastric gavage every 8 hours for 4 days, increased activation and proliferation of microglia as evidenced by morphological changes and BrdU incorporation were observed in the hippocampus (McClain, Morris et al. 2011). Changes persisted at least 30 days after alcohol exposure suggestive of longlasting consequences of ethanol on microglia function (McClain, Morris et al. 2011).

Monocytes are an immature form of these cells that circulate in the blood until they are alerted to the presence of a pathogen in a particular tissue. Once they are at the site of infection, they swell in size and develop into the mature defensive cells—the macrophages—that enter the tissues. After eliminating pathogens by phagocytosis, the monocytes exhibit pathogen-derived proteins and other molecules (i.e., antigens) on their surfaces. Finally, monocytes and macrophages also produce certain cytokines that help regulate immune system activity. And it’s not just that you’re more likely to get a cold — excessive drinking is linked to pneumonia and other pulmonary diseases. It can also lead to a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease, liver disease, and increased risk of cancer.

Long-term effects of alcohol

Some of these mechanisms are directly related to the pathology found in people with infections such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and pneumonia who continue to use and abuse alcohol. These disruptions to the composition of the gut microbiota and to gut barrier function have important implications beyond the intestinal system. For example, Nagy discusses how the leakage of bacterial products from the gut activate the innate immune system in the liver, triggering inflammation that underlies ALD, a condition that affects https://ecosoberhouse.com/ more than 2 million Americans and which eventually may lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Infection with viral hepatitis accelerates the progression of ALD, and end-stage liver disease from viral hepatitis, together with ALD, is the main reason for liver transplantations in the United States. The article by Dolganiuc in this issue explores the synergistic effects of alcohol and hepatitis viruses on the progression of liver disease as well as alcohol consumption’s injurious effect on liver antiviral immunity.

For example, a 2015 study in the journal Alcohol found that binge drinking can reduce infection-fighting white blood cells known as monocytes in the hours after peak intoxication, essentially weakening your immune system. Although the innate immune response is immediate, it is not specific to any given pathogen. Some of the most notable contributors to the innate immune response include natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs). The immune system is typically categorized into the innate and adaptive immune response systems, both of which are essential components in the body’s defense against pathogens.

Sexual and reproductive health

Alcohol also is toxic to a developing brain during pregnancy and can cause congenital disabilities, including developmental disorders. “In essence, using alcohol to dampen emotional misery ends up making people more miserable,” he says. Drink responsibly— Using alcohol to cope with negative Covid-19 does alcohol weaken your immune system related feelings could place a person on a path toward developing an alcohol use disorder, Koob cautions. With bars and restaurants shut down, many people are having virtual happy hours to socialize with friends. If you’d like to reduce or quit drinking, there are innovative new options for support.