Alcohol addiction increases the risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This conclusion was reached by researchers from Emory University School of Medicine in the USA. results published American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology (AJPLung).
People suffering from alcoholism participated in the study. Scientists took respiratory tract cell samples from them and healthy subjects. The cells were then cultured to create models of epithelium, the layer that covers the mucosal surfaces of the larynx, lungs, bronchi, and nasopharynx.
Scientists used RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression in the resulting models to examine the impact of chronic alcohol exposure on airway cells. The research team then infected the cells with SARS-CoV-2 and assessed the intensity of inflammation.
It was revealed that alcohol use increases the sensitivity of respiratory tract cells to coronavirus. Scientists explained that this can worsen the symptoms of the disease in the early stages and increase the likelihood of infection. Cells from alcohol abusers appeared to have specific pro-inflammatory properties that were increased after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These were characterized by increased secretion of specific protein molecules, which are pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL-1β and IFNγ.
Additionally, alcohol addicts were found to have barrier dysfunction in their bronchial cells. This means that protective membranes cannot ensure the integrity of cells and protect them from pathogens.
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