Cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), similar to CD14, is present on macrophages and is often used as a marker of macrophage activation. The effects of ethanol on macrophage activation are well described [42]. CD68 mRNA levels have been shown to be positively correlated with inflammation of adipose tissue [43]. Ethanol may attenuate this inflammation through its ability to decrease Cd68 mRNA, which is associated with lower levels of adipokines [44].
