Fig. 3. Monocyte/macrophage-derived substances potentially affected by alcohol. Monocytes and macrophages produce numerous substances that initiate and regulate inflammatory reactions; attract other immune cells (i.e., chemokines); stimulate T cells; help in the elimination of pathogens, such as bacteria; and perform other functions throughout the body. Alcohol may interfere with the production and secretion of all these substances, thereby impairing the body’s immune response. IL, interleukin; TGF-β, transforming growth factor beta; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha. Data from the article of Szabo. Alcohol Health Res World. 1997;21:30-41
(27).
