The Study of Influence of Psychosocial Rehabilitation on the Immunomodulatory Role of Alcohol Dependence, on Neutrophil Oxidative Burst Mechanism

Abstract

Background: Alcohol is known to affect the immune system in diverse ways. Various studies have brought to light changes in both innate and acquired immunity in alcohol dependant subjects, making them more vulnerable to infections as compared to the general population. Objective: The current study emphasizes on the impact of alcohol on neutrophil oxidative burst mechanism and the changes in the same after a period of abstinence. Method: of the 25 alcohol dependant subjects, 21 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. SADQ questionnaire was administered to group them into mild, moderate and severely dependant. Their blood samples were collected before and after a psychosocial rehabilitation programme and studied for neutrophil oxidative burst phenomenon using nitro blue tetrazolium dye reduction test. Result: There was an increase in oxidative burst in all the subjects after the rehabilitation, however the increase was significant in mild and moderately alcohol dependant subjects. Conclusion: The impaired oxidative burst in alcohol dependant subjects may pave a way for infections. Hence an early detection of dysregulated immunity in alcohol dependant subjects may help decrease the morbidity and mortality.