Biochemical and haematological markers of alcohol intake

The serum gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (gamma-G.T.), aspartate transaminase (A.T.), urate, and triglyceride levels and the mean cell volume were estimated in 2034 healthy men. In 14.9% gamma-G.T. was elevated, in 8.0% A.T. was raised, and in 4.2% both enzymes were elevated. Findings were almost identical in a subgroup of 146 whose alcohol intake was known. Both enzymes, serum-urate, and mean cell volume showed a progressive rise with increasing alcohol consumption. The sensitivity of these markers is such that elevated levels are present in those whose alcohol intake would be regarded as normal and who are in no sense alcohol-dependent.