The Gut–Lung Axis During Ethanol Exposure and a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacterial Challenge
Author Information
Author(s): Santilli Anthony, Han Yingchun, Yan Hannah, Sangwan Naseer, Cresci Gail A. M.
Primary Institution: Cleveland Clinic
Hypothesis
Ethanol’s impact on the gut–lung axis might hinder the ability of the pulmonary immune system to prevent or respond to an acute infectious challenge.
Conclusion
Ethanol-induced changes in the gut microbiome and immune environment are linked to dysfunctional immune responses in the intestine, blood, and lungs, compromising the pulmonary immune response during an infectious challenge in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Ethanol consumption disrupts the composition and metabolic processes of the gut microbiome.
- Ethanol exposure increased CD11c+CD64+ macrophages and Ly6G+CD11b+ neutrophils in the lungs.
- Chronic alcohol consumption is linked to increased susceptibility to pulmonary infections.
Takeaway
Drinking alcohol can mess up the good bacteria in your gut, which can make it harder for your lungs to fight off infections.
Methodology
A chronic-binge ethanol-feeding mouse model was used, followed by nasal instillation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to assess immune responses.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors from the model used and the specific bacterial strains employed.
Limitations
The findings were mostly associative and not causative, and further studies are needed to clarify the functional impact of various T cell populations.
Participant Demographics
Female C57BL/6 mice, 10–11 weeks of age.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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