Understanding how stopping and starting drinking affects immune cells in heavy drinkers
Official title: Uncovering the functional and mechanistic dysregulation of monocytes after abstinence and post-abstinence drinking
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10995183 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking a break from drinking alcohol and then starting again affects certain immune cells in heavy drinkers, helping us understand how these changes might impact your health and recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 11, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,856 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA031600-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995183 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have a history of heavy alcohol consumption and are currently abstaining or considering abstinence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not classified as heavy drinkers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of abstaining from alcohol and then resuming drinking on the immune cells known as monocytes in individuals who are heavy drinkers. The study aims to uncover how these changes in drinking behavior impact the immune system, particularly focusing on the inflammatory responses and pathogen defense mechanisms of monocytes. By analyzing blood samples from participants, researchers will assess the functional and mechanistic changes in these cells during periods of abstinence and after drinking resumes. This could provide valuable insights into the health risks associated with alcohol consumption and recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how to better support recovery and health outcomes for individuals with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on the effects of alcohol on the immune system, this specific investigation into the effects of abstinence and post-abstinence drinking on monocytes is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanton, Madison Brooke — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Blanton, Madison Brooke
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.