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Urinary markers of chronic excessive ethanol consumption
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Alcoholics excrete higher levels of free ethanol and acetaldehyde conjugates than social drinkers. These urinary biomarkers can help identify alcoholism, even after a period of abstinence.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ethanol metabolism produces toxic acetaldehyde, which can form conjugates.
- Biomarkers for alcoholism diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a gas chromatographic mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method for quantifying free ethanol and its conjugates.
- To investigate the presence and levels of ethanol and acetaldehyde conjugates in the urine of alcoholics and social drinkers.
- To assess the utility of these urinary markers in identifying alcoholism.
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed for precise measurement.
- Urine samples from abstaining alcoholics and social drinkers were analyzed.
- Levels of free ethanol and ethanol-acetaldehyde conjugates were quantified.
Main Results:
- Alcoholics showed significantly higher urinary levels of free ethanol and acetaldehyde conjugates compared to social drinkers.
- On average, alcoholics excreted equal amounts of free ethanol and its conjugates, unlike controls who excreted a 3:1 ratio of conjugates to free ethanol.
- After 14 days of abstinence, 70% of alcoholics still exhibited elevated levels of these conjugates, indicating persistent biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- The developed GC-MS method effectively measures free ethanol and its conjugates.
- Urinary ethanol and acetaldehyde conjugates serve as reliable biomarkers for identifying alcoholism.
- These biomarkers remain elevated even after periods of abstinence, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring.