The RELA/NFKB1 and IKKβ/RELA mRNA ratio was significantly decreased (1.37-fold) or increased (1.62-fold), respectively, in alcoholics compared to control subjects (Figure 2B; n = 15/group; Student's t-test, T1,28 = 2,18, P = 0.038 and T1,28 = 2,21, P = 0.035). These differences were not due to lower levels of RELA mRNA (1.41-fold) in alcoholics because the levels of NFKB1 and IKKβ mRNAs were also decreased by 1.22 and 1.23-fold, respectively, in this group. No significant differences in these protein and mRNA ratios were observed in the MC. Changes in mRNA stoichiometry may result in the disproportion in p65 and p50 protein content affecting formation of NF-κB complexes, and altered IKKβ-mediated p65 phosphorylation.
