Disturbance of human immunohomeostasis by environmental pollution and alcohol consumption

Abstract

Environmental pollution and consumption of alcohol evoke various immuno-modulations promoting the progress of different pathologies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of alcohol consumption intensity on the immune system functions of humans living in ecologically different regions, i.e. in a district polluted with industrial siftings (Trakai, n=270) and in a relatively clean district (Širvintos, n=250).In the Trakai cohort 96% and in Širvintos group 89% of persons consumed alcohol. With regard to alcohol consumption habits the immunohaematological indices were investigated in the following four groups: abstinents, light alcohol users, moderate alcohol users and alcohol abusers. We determined the compensatory mechanisms of immune system fimctions of moderate alcohol users and alcohol abusers in comparison with abstinents in the relatively clean Širvintos district. In the Trakai district polluted with industrial siftings such compensatory reactions where not found. Thus, damage to the immune system functions is not only an endogenous risk factor for many diseases, but also an indicator of organism injury. This investigation stated, that immunity disturbance in humans depends on alcohol consumption intensity and place of residence. © 2006 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest.