Swedish researchers find that alcohol may help prevent rhematoid arthritis in studies conducted in mice.
A daily dose of alcohol mixed in water , seemed to decrease the risk to develop rheumatoid arthritis in mice , reported Swedish researchers .The results of the research has been documented in the current proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
. Rheumatic arthritis is the result of a marred auto immune response, due to which the immune system is triggered to fight the tissues in the joints. Dr Andrzej Tarkowski the lead researcher of the studies is interested in identifying the means by which alcohol might help avert rheumatoid arthritis.One group of experimental mice were given 10% alcohol mixed in tap water, and another was given plain tap water daily, for 6-8 weeks. Collagen injections were administered to the mice in order to induce RA in them.Rhematoid arthritis(RA) was found to develop quite slowly among the mice that were given alcohol treated tap water.
If humans were to consume so much alcohol, it would surely damage the liver .So it clearly is not the alternative for humans in order to numb the pains caused by this disorder affecting the joints of the body.But Tarkowski opined that he wouldn’t dream of attempting the experiment on human beings owing to the risk involved.
The studies show that alcohol may enhance testosterone levels. In male mice that were given alcohol there seemed to be an increase in testosterone. The male hormone in turn seems to retard a chief mechanism that triggers of inflammation that is chief symptom in arthritis. Acetaldehyde, a breakdown product of alcohol, also showed some promise in prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. Yet, this compound is also toxic for the body if not used with caution, and within permissible doses.
.This studies are only relevant to male mice. Experts opine that it is not a close model for human trials. Among humans, RA is mostly noted among females and not so much among males. This study only suggests a method of prevention and not a treatment for RA.
Experts warn that standard recommendations for RA patients should be adhered to. This allows intake of alcoholic drinks in moderation. But smoking is not advised at all by doctors.
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