Inflammatory Mediators during the Stages of Remission Development in Alcohol Dependence

We studied the dynamics of peripheral inflammatory mediators (LPS, LPS-binding protein, and proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL‑8) in the blood serum of men with alcohol dependence at the stages of withdrawal syndrome: on days 2‑3 of alcohol withdrawal, after standard 14‑17-day therapy, and during remission several months after hospital discharge, with assessment of patient's clinical status. A significant increase in the levels of inflammatory markers compared to the control group (apparently healthy men) was observed during the withdrawal syndrome followed by a decrease in these parameters (except for chemokine IL‑8) after therapy and during remission. Correlations between the levels of inflammatory mediators and alcohol craving scores (measured using the Pennsylvania Alcohol Craving Scale) were found during therapy and in remission.