Biochemical markers of chronic alcoholism

Usefulness of several biochemical markers for the monitoring of chronic alcoholism were studied. Among generally used markers, only gamma-GTP showed a significant difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases. Serum glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity was significantly high in alcoholic liver disease. When the ratios of GDH to ornithine carbamyl transferase (OCT) were calculated, differences between alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases became clearer without overlapping of any value. Serum desialo-transferrin was found in about 60% of the alcoholics, and disappeared by abstinence. Microheterogeneity of serum protein was also found in other glycoproteins. Serum prealbumin level was significantly high in alcoholics without severe liver disease. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity of erythrocytes was significantly low in alcoholics, and gradually increased after abstinence. These results indicate that microheterogeneity of glycoproteins, serum prealbumin level and erythrocyte ALDH activity are good markers of alcohol abuse, and serum GDH/OCT ratio is the most sensitive marker of alcoholic liver injury. Serum gamma-GTP activity is a good marker of both conditions.