Binge drinking is consuming enough alcohol in a single drinking session to get intoxicated.
Experts say that drinking large amounts of alcohol in lesser time prevents the production of proteins that are vital to the immune system
.
Generation of key protein inhibited
Researchers from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Centre, USA, conducted an experiment on mice that were given drinking water laced with ethanol--a type of alcohol found in drinks.
They found that the mice were prevented from generating key pro-inflammatory cytokines--proteins that are supposed to kick in when the body is under attack.
But levels of one cytokine called interleukin-10 (IL-10) were increased. It helps the body avoid harmful inflammation—red or painful area in or on a part of the body-- but can also reduce resistance to infection.
The researchers also observed that some cytokines were still not "on duty" for as long as 24 hours after the mice were dosed with alcohol.
Lead researcher Dr. Stephen Pruett said, "The timeframe during which the risk of infection is increased might be at least 24 hours.
"A persistent effect of ethanol on cells is indicated, such that inhibition of the response of some cytokines occurs even after the ethanol is cleared."
Smaller quantity of alcohol should be consumed
Don Shenker, chief executive of the charity Alcohol Concern, said that though the negative effect of alcohol on the immune system is proven, many people are not aware of the same.
But "Sticking to sensible drinking guidelines of 2-3 units per day for women and 3-4 units for men increases your chance of staying healthy," he added.
Binge-drinking linked with poor health
Immediate short-term effects of binge-drinking include confusion, blurred vision, poor co-ordination and balance, nausea, anti-social behavior and an increased risk of accidents.
However, in the long-term, binge-drinking can result in impaired memory and mental performance.
In the U.K., around 40 percent of men and 22 percent of women share binge-drinking experiences.
The study has been reported in the online journal BMC Immunology.
Post new comment