One possible explanation for these conflicting findings is that alcohol interferes only with some https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-rebuild-your-life-after-addiction-how-to-regain-trust/ aspects of B-cell functioning. In response to some antigens, B cells require the assistance of cytokines secreted by T cells (i.e., T-cell–dependent responses), whereas in response to other antigens, T-cell activation is not required (i.e., T-cell–independent responses). Alcohol appears to affect these responses differently, because B cells in the spleens of alcohol-consuming animals showed impaired proliferation during a T-cell–dependent response but normal proliferation during a T-cell–independent response. Similarly, alcoholics exhibited an intact T-cell–independent antibody response after administration of a specific antigen. Thus, alcohol may interfere with antibody production indirectly by inhibiting the production of certain T-cell–derived cytokines required for B-cell function. The complexity of alcohol’s effects on B cells is underscored further by findings that alcohol impairs B-cell proliferation in response to the T-cell–derived cytokine IL-4 but not in response to the T-cell-derived cytokine IL-2.
Short-term vs Long-term Effects
Finally, alcohol adversely affects the functions of the cells that mediate the immune response against specific microorganisms and long-term immunity (i.e., T cells and B cells). As a result, alcoholics does alcohol lower immune system have an increased susceptibility to diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. Alcoholics also may be more susceptible to infections from the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, alcohol intoxication can exacerbate the immune suppression that occurs after traumatic injuries. The complexity of the innate and adaptive immune responses are increased further by the fact that different subsets of immune cells may reside in specific organs, such as the liver, lungs, brain, skin, bones, or muscles. This complex structure of the immune system with its multitude of different cells with diverse functions allows the organism to defend itself properly against the hugely diverse pathogens it may encounter, without endangering its own cells.
Alcohol’s Effects on Immunity
The consistent intake of ethanol can increase the risk of CNS depression which leads to uninhibited and impaired sensor and motor functions of the body. Along with the what is Oxford House affected functionality of the liver due to it being overloaded with binge drinking, our body further can go through anemia, dizziness, nausea, unsteadiness of feet, changes in appetite, and respiratory depression. Heavy drinking weakens your immune system, making you more prone to diseases and illnesses. Our body consists of different types of cells to safeguard the body from harmful germs attacking us and making us ill. Another way alcohol affects the immune system is by causing damage to organs that indirectly support immune function. For instance, the liver plays a key role in detoxifying harmful substances and producing immune-related proteins.
- The trillions of microbes in your colon and large and small intestines are critical to proper digestion.
- This damage to the permeability of the intestinal membrane allows bacteria and their components to enter the blood tissue, reaching other organs such as the liver or the brain.
- These microorganisms, among others, include bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses 42.
- IL-21 is essential for germinal center formation and high-affinity B cell selection, but excessive signaling has been linked to autoimmunity.
- Alcohol attacks the immune homeostasis in our body, as a result of which our body finds it difficult to work against various types of physical traumas.
- In vitro studies have shown that acetaldehyde modulates cytokine production by astrocytes in a dose-dependent manner (Sarc, Wraber et al. 2011).
Is It Time to Rethink That Drink? What the Latest Science Says About Alcohol & Your Health
It may seem impossible to break this cycle of addiction and protect your well-being at the same time. Ardu is here to guide you through alcohol detox, help you manage cravings, and build skills for long-term recovery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines excessive drinking as eight or more drinks a week for women, and 15 or more drinks a week for men.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
“Alcohol has diverse adverse effects throughout the body, including on all cells of the immune system, that lead to increased risk of serious infections,” said Dr. E. Jennifer Edelman, a Yale Medicine addiction medicine specialist. Several studies have also shown that the lungs are highly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. For example, alcohol can reduce the ability of respiratory epithelium cells to remove mucous from the lungs, which can directly damage lung tissue and weaken the proper functioning of the lungs over time.
