The Effects of Alcoholism Pharmacotherapy on Immune Responses in Alcohol-Dependent Patients

• DOI: 10.1177/039463201002300320
• Publication Date: 2017-01-13T12:25:51Z
• Authors: S. Franchi; P. Sacerdote; S. Moretti; G. Gerra; V. Leccese; M.V. Tallone; A.E. Panerai; L. Somaini
• Keywords: Disulfiram; Pharmacotherapy; Alcohol Dependence

Chronic alcohol use has profound modulatory effects on the immune system. Both innate and acquired immunity are compromised. The of pharmacotherapy is increasingly applied to enhance percentage success in maintaining alcoholic patients remission. Disulfiram, naltrexone gamma hydroxybutiric acid drugs used for this purpose Italian Addiction Services. In study we analyze effect dependence responses alcoholics. Six groups were studied. Group A included 10 who still using alcohol. B consisted abstinent from treatment only with group therapy. Groups C, D E composed each, treated at least 6 months oral doses acid, or disulfiram respectively. Ten age- sex-matched healthy volunteers never misused as a control group. Lymphoproliferation peripheral mononuclear cell production Th1 cytokines IL-2 IFN-γ, Th2 cytokine IL-4, pro-inflammatory IL-1 TNF-α evaluated all controls. level activity hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis was assessed. ACTH cortisol levels plasma elevated no treatment. significant alteration observed. TNF IFN-γ lower than controls, while IL-4 increased. These altered state Th1/Th2 unbalance characterized by decreased response presence predominance. undergoing pharmacological treatment, none parameters different those observed independently type drug administered. data indicate that more therapy able ameliorate system functioning patients.