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The neuroimmune system - Where aging and excess alcohol intersect
Erika R Carlson1, Steven P Guerin1, Kimberly Nixon1
1Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.)
|September 23, 2022
Summary
As the global population ages, understanding alcohol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging global population increases individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- Neuroinflammation is linked to both aging and alcohol use.
- Alcohol's impact on the aging brain's morphology and function is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical research on alcohol's effects on the aged brain's neuroimmune system.
- To explore changes in neuroimmune function due to aging or alcohol exposure alone.
- To identify challenges and future research targets in this underexplored area.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on neuroinflammation and aging.
- Analysis of immune system components (cytokines, microglia, astrocytes).
- Examination of alcohol exposure levels and animal models of AUD.
Main Results:
- Neuroimmune response to alcohol in aging is complex and not fully understood.
- Studies suggest heightened basal neuroimmune activity in aged, alcohol-exposed brains.
- Varied reactivity (hypo- or hyper-reactivity) to alcohol challenges observed.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol's interaction with the aging neuroimmune system requires further investigation.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for public health as the elderly population grows.
- Identifying specific targets for intervention is a key future direction.
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