Serum level of interleukin-5 is elevated among beer drinkers in nnewi, Anambra State

Introduction: The role of Interleukin-5(IL-5) in immunity and its involvement in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a subject of growing research. IL-5 plays a role in the differentiation and maturation of eosinophils and has atheroprotective effects. Objective: The levels of serum Interleukin-5, and CRP in beer drinkers in Nnewi, Anambra State., were assessed. Materials and methods: Questionnaires were used to understand the amount of daily and weekly beer bottles consumed by subjects, and obtain their socio-demographic information. 82 participants comprising of 41 beer drinkers, and 41 non-beer drinkers of similar age were recruited. IL-5 and CRP levels were determined by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique. Result: A significantly higher mean value of interleukin-5 (117.25 ± 1.50) of beer drinkers compared with nonbeer drinkers (46.85 ± 5.8) (p<0.05). was observed. No significant difference existed in the mean values of CRP of beer drinkers compared with the nonbeer drinkers (p> 0.05). A positive correlation was found between interleukin-5 levels and the frequency of beer consumption (r= 0.279) (p=0.011) while CRP levels showed no association (r=-0.197 and p=0.077) with the frequency of beer drinking. Conclusion: Interleukin-5 levels are elevated among beer drinkers. moderate beer consumption may increase systolic blood pressure and body mass index without obliterating its cardioprotective influence.