Another mechanism contributing to ethanol-induced apoptosis in human T cells could involve down-regulation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR normally reduces expression of a signaling molecule called renin angiotensin (RAS) (Li et al. 2004). Lowered RAS levels in turn induce dysregulation of the mitochondria (Kimura et al. 2005) and enhance production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage various molecules in the cells (Iuchi et al. 2003). Naïve human T cells produce low levels of VDR, but expression is increased to moderate levels in activated T cells (Irvin et al. 2000). Human T cells incubated in vitro with variable concentrations of ethanol (0, 10, 25, and 50mM for 24 hours) showed a reduced expression of the VDR, accompanied by increased expression of RAS and ROS as well as increased T-cell death (Rehman et al. 2013). Additional analyses demonstrated that ethanol exposure promoted apoptosis by inducing breaks in the DNA of the T cells.
- The effect of beer on the immune system may not be as significant as the effect of stronger alcoholic beverages, but it’s important to remember that beer and wine can cause adverse health effects and even suppress the body’s immune response in excessive amounts.
- It’s simultaneously putting out the fire and trying desperately to save the cat.
- In summary, these studies suggest that chronic alcohol abuse in humans and animal models results in lymphopenia, increased T-cell differentiation and activation, and reduced migration (see figure 1).
- Chronic alcohol consumption results in lymphopenia with a loss in circulating T cells and B cells.
- Another mechanism contributing to ethanol-induced apoptosis in human T cells could involve down-regulation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR).
- Catching two to four colds a year is perfectly normal for a healthy person.
Short-term effects of alcohol on the immune system
Past data shows binge drinking can have a massive effect on the immune system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, once you take a sip of alcohol, your body prioritizes breaking down alcohol over several other bodily functions. The body doesn’t have a way to store alcohol like it does with carbohydrates and fats, so it has to immediately send it to the liver, where it’s metabolized. When someone is exposed to a virus, the body mounts an immune response to attack and kill the foreign pathogen. People who are immunocompromised need to be more vigilant in keeping up with vaccines, as they play a vital role in making sure even a weakened immune system is prepared against potential threats. That’s particularly true when you consider people who are immunocompromised are at higher risk for COVID-19 reinfection.
Medical
“Anyone with chronic liver conditions should be avoiding alcohol, for example, people with hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver inflammation, and any condition that could affect liver function would be a reason to avoid alcohol,” notes Favini. Past research shows alcohol consumption leads to more severe lung diseases, like adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other pulmonary diseases, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and respiratory syncytial virus. Adaptive immune responses, on the other hand, are highly specific to new invaders. They involve T cells and B cells, which learn how to recognize antigens and not attack our own cells. These adaptive responses are helpful due to their long-lived memories and the ability to adapt to new types of infections.
How Does Alcohol Consumption Affect the Immune System?
In summary, these studies suggest that chronic alcohol abuse in humans and animal models results in lymphopenia, increased T-cell differentiation and activation, and reduced migration (see figure 1). These changes in turn compromise the organism’s ability to respond to pathogens and contribute to increased susceptibility to infections. Clinicians have long observed an association between excessive alcohol consumption and adverse immune-related health effects such as susceptibility to pneumonia. While binge drinking is typically more harmful than occasional drinking, any amount of alcohol can have adverse effects on the body and its ability to fight infections and diseases.
Alcohol use can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, cognitive decline, liver disease, mental health 5 Types of Alcoholics Characteristics of Each Alcoholic Type conditions, and more. Alcohol can either activate or suppress the immune system depending on, for example, how much is consumed and how concentrated it is in the various tissues and organs. That dual action predisposes heavy drinkers both to increased infection and to chronic inflammation.
When the body is unable to clear a pathogen, an infection can worsen and lead to more severe, life threatening complications.
Alcohol-related alterations of immune surveillance also have been implicated in the development of cancer (Poschl and Seitz 2004). Reduced cell-mediated immunity was proposed as a potential explanation for the high incidence of head and neck cancer observed in alcoholic patients (Lundy et al. 1975). However, these studies are difficult to interpret, because several factors affect antitumor immunity in human alcoholics, including malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and liver cirrhosis.