Does alcohol consumption affect miRNA levels?

Chronic heavy alcohol use has been associated with altered miRNA expression in the liver and gastrointestinal tract in research studies, as alcohol-induced liver damage can change the miRNA content of hepatocyte-derived exosomes. However, moderate or social alcohol consumption is not expected to significantly alter the three cancer biomarkers in OncuraKit or push a healthy person above the 1.5× HL threshold. We recommend avoiding heavy alcohol consumption in the 24–48 hours before collection as a general precaution, as heavy alcohol use causes systemic inflammation that could theoretically affect miR-21 levels. The preserved specimen is stable during shipping regardless of moderate prior alcohol consumption.