Ilhem Messaoudi, PhD, Professor and Chair, University of Kentucky

Presents:  Epigenetic remodeling of monocytes and macrophages by chronic ethanol consumption

Host:  Dr. Guoyan Zhao

In person only:  Connor Auditorium (FLTC)

Abstract: In the United States, 29.5 million people aged 12 and above suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD) and 61 million people engage in binge drinking. Chronic alcohol consumption (CAC) is associated with significant increased morbidity and mortality, predisposes individuals to serious infections, and impairs wound healing. These observations indicate a dysregulation of the immune system by CAC. Many labs, including ours, have shown that CAC disproportionally impacts macrophages and monocytes. These cells play a critical role in antimicrobial defense and tissue homeostasis. Specifically, CAC drives a hyper-inflammatory response by monocytes and macrophages. These alcohol-induced exacerbated inflammatory responses are mediated by increased chromatin accessibility at promoters and intergenic regions that regulate inflammatory responses.