Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Serum TNF-α levels in relation to alcohol consumption and common TNF gene polymorphisms
Alcohol Volume 42, Issue 6, September 2008, Pages 513-518


Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mediates alcohol-induced organ dysfunction, including alcoholic hepatitis. Variations in the TNF-α gene may underlie the individual predisposition to alcoholic liver disease. Measurement of serum TNF-α levels has become a routine in clinical practice.

The study was aimed at investigating the level of serum TNF-α levels in adults and analyzing its relationship with different levels of alcohol consumption, as well as the potential interaction between alcohol consumption and common TNF-α gene polymorphisms in relation to TNF-α levels and liver disease.

Serum TNF-α was measured in a random sample of 459 individuals from a general adult population and in 137 hospital-admitted alcoholics. Three common TNF-α gene polymorphisms (−238G>A, −308G>A, and −857C>T) were investigated in 419 of these individuals.

In the general adult population, the TNF-α levels were similar in alcohol abstainers and alcohol drinkers. Alcoholics admitted to the hospital showed the highest TNF-α levels, which were correlated with liver dysfunction. We found no evidence of an interaction between alcohol consumption and TNF-α gene polymorphisms in relation to TNF-α levels. Carriers of the TNF −238A allele tended to have a higher prevalence of advanced liver disease than −238G homozygotes, confirming previous reports.

In conclusion, light-to-moderate drinking had no significant effect on the levels of serum TNF-α levels. Serum TNF-α levels are elevated in alcoholics independently of common TNF gene polymorphisms.

Read Full Abstract


Request Reprint E-Mail: mearturo@usc.es
__________________________________________________________