LAUSR

This study investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption with alcohol induced facial flushing response and rheumatoid factor (RF) in adult men. The cohort comprised 1675 men who underwent a general medical check-up between July 2016 and June 2017, including 355 non-drinkers, 498 flushers, and 822 non-flushers. One drink was defined as 14 grams of alcohol. RF was considered negative if ≤18 IU/mL and positive if 18< IU/mL. Logistic regression analyses were used. Compared to non-drinkers, the odds ratio for a positive RF among non-flushers was 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-2.29) for those with an average alcohol consumption of ≤4 drinks per week, 1.64 (95% CI, 0.67-3.98) for those consuming 4<,≤8 drinks per week, and 1.17 (95% CI, 0.55-2.50) for those consuming 8< drinks per week; the differences were not statistically significant. Compared to non-drinkers, flushers also had a non-significant odds ratio for positive RF of 1.26 (95% CI, 0.54-2.90) among those with an average alcohol consumption of ≤4 drinks per week. However, flushers showed significantly higher odds ratio for positive RF of 3.12 (95% CI, 1.18-8.24) among those consuming 4<,≤8 drinks per week and 3.27 (95% CI, 1.42-7.52) among those consuming 8< drinks per week. Additionally, flushers consuming 8< drinks per week were associated with significantly higher rates of positive RF than non-flushers (odds ratio, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.05-5.17). Our study revealed that flushers consuming 4< drinks per week showed a higher probability of positive RF than non-drinkers. Furthermore, flushers consuming 8< drinks per week had a higher probability of positive RF than non-flushers. Our results strongly indicate that the average weekly alcohol consumption level and the presence or absence of flushing should be considered when interpreting the results of RF examinations in healthy men.