Activated lymphocytes (CD25+ CD69+ cells) and decreased CD19+ cells in well-nourished chronic alcoholics without ethanol-related diseases.
To assess lymphocyte subsets and expression of activation antigens in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in chronic alcoholism, a cross-sectional study with 30 well-nourished chronic alcoholics and 30 controls was performed. Studies included detailed clinical and laboratory evaluation, nutritional status assessment, and determination of lymphocyte subpopulations, as well as activation antigens. A significant decrease of B cells (CD19+) was observed in chronic alcoholics, compared with controls (p < 0.001). A significant increase of PBLs expressing CD69 and CD25 (p < 0.01, both) in chronic alcoholics was also detected, whereas CD71 expression was unaffected. In addition, T lymphocytes expressing HLA-DR were significantly higher in chronic alcoholics than controls (p < 0.05). The serum level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor was also significantly higher in the alcoholic group, compared with controls (p = 0.04). Moreover, the estimated total lifetime dose of ethanol consumed correlated positively with the percentage of PBLs expressing CD25 (r = 0.48; p = 0.01) and negatively with PBLs expressing CD71 (r = -0.39; p = 0.04). By contrast, the changes were not related to age, nutritional status, or the presence of other ethanol-related diseases. In conclusion, chronic alcoholics present a significant decrease of B cells and an "incomplete activation state" of PBLs that depends on the dose of ethanol consumed.
Sacanella
E
E
Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínic i Provincial, University of Barcelona, Spain.
Estruch
R
R
Gayà
A
A
Fernández-Solà
J
J
Antúnez
E
E
Urbano-Márquez
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000276:immunology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000097:blood*; D018941:Antigens, CD19 / Q000097:blood*; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000097:blood*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D000099192:CD69 Antigens
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018941:Antigens, CD19; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D000099192:CD69 Antigens