Biochemical indicators and cardiac function tests in chronic alcohol abusers

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Chronic alcohol abuse is a significant global health concern.
• Alcohol's detrimental effects extend to multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular system.
• Understanding the specific impact on cardiac function and biochemical markers is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of chronic alcohol abuse on cardiac function.
• To assess alterations in the antioxidant system and trace element profiles in alcoholic patients.
• To evaluate liver function test abnormalities associated with chronic alcohol consumption.

Main Methods:

• Assayed blood parameters including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), zinc, magnesium, and copper.
• Evaluated echocardiographic parameters, specifically mitral and tricuspid peak early and atrial flow velocity (E/A) ratios.
• Compared 25 chronic alcoholic patients with 25 age- and gender-matched healthy relatives.

Main Results:

• Alcoholic patients showed significantly increased MCV, MCH, AST, and GGT levels compared to controls.
• Significant decreases in magnesium and zinc levels, and an increase in copper levels were observed in alcoholics.
• Echocardiography revealed a significant decrease in the mitral and tricuspid E/A ratios in the patient group.

Conclusions:

• Chronic alcohol exposure leads to cardiac muscle disease, evidenced by reduced mitral and tricuspid E/A ratios.
• Altered trace element levels (low magnesium and zinc, high copper) are associated with alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy.
• These findings highlight the need for comprehensive monitoring of cardiac function and nutritional status in individuals with chronic alcohol abuse.