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Alcohol consumption, liver function tests and nutritional status in Thai males
Summary
This study found that even asymptomatic alcohol drinkers show increased serum triglycerides and liver enzymes, alongside higher rates of vitamin B1 deficiency. Chronic alcohol consumption in patients led to significant increases in blood pressure and various liver function markers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a global health concern with diverse physiological impacts.
- Chronic alcohol use is associated with numerous health complications, particularly affecting the liver and nervous system.
- Understanding the subclinical and clinical effects of alcohol on various biomarkers is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical and clinical differences between healthy individuals, asymptomatic alcohol drinkers, and patients with chronic alcohol consumption.
- To identify specific biomarkers indicative of alcohol's impact on health, even in the absence of overt symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of three groups: healthy Thai males, asymptomatic Thai male regular drinkers, and hospitalized patients with chronic alcohol effects.
- Assessment of alcohol consumption using questionnaires.
- Measurement of serum triglycerides, glutamyl transferase (gamma-G), vitamin B1 levels, blood pressure, and other biochemical markers (GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin, hematocrit, folate, total protein, cholesterol, bilirubin, vitamins B2, B6, B12).
Main Results:
- Asymptomatic drinkers showed significantly increased serum triglycerides and gamma-G, with higher vitamin B1 deficiency frequency compared to healthy non-drinkers.
- In asymptomatic drinkers, alcohol intake correlated with Quetelet's index, gamma-G, and alkaline phosphatase.
- Hospitalized patients exhibited significantly higher blood pressure, serum triglycerides, gamma-G, GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin, hematocrit, folate, and total protein compared to healthy males.
Conclusions:
- Even moderate, asymptomatic alcohol consumption can lead to detectable biochemical changes and increased risk of vitamin deficiencies.
- Chronic alcohol abuse significantly impacts multiple physiological systems, including cardiovascular and hepatic functions.
- Biomarkers like serum triglycerides and gamma-G are sensitive indicators of alcohol's detrimental effects, useful for monitoring alcohol-related health risks.