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Major depression and immunity in alcohol-dependent persons
Steven J Schleifer1, Steven E Keller, Sally Czaja
1Department of Psychiatry, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 183 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103-2714, USA. schleife@umdnj.edu
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|July 26, 2005
Summary
Major depression (MD) and alcoholism both impact immunity, with MD linked to reduced PHA responses and increased monocytes. Alcoholism affects B lymphocytes and NK cells, with some effects possibly due to lifestyle factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Altered immunity is linked to both alcoholism and major depression (MD).
- Understanding these immune changes is crucial for individuals with co-occurring conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of MD and alcoholism to in vitro immune measures.
- To compare immune profiles of alcohol-dependent individuals with community nonabusers.
Main Methods:
- Studied alcohol-dependent individuals and a comparison group (n=122).
- Assessed enumerative and functional immune measures, including leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets, mitogen response, natural killer cell activity (NKCA), and granulocytic phagocytosis.
Main Results:
- MD associated with decreased phytohemagglutinin (PHA) responses and increased monocytes.
- Alcohol dependence linked to decreased B lymphocytes, possibly decreased NK cells, and increased monocytes.
- Some immune alterations in alcoholism and MD may be influenced by cigarette use and recent alcohol exposure.
Conclusions:
- MD-associated immune changes in alcoholics are modest and similar to those in MD without alcoholism.
- Lifestyle factors like smoking and recent alcohol intake influence immune responses in these populations.