Project Materials

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF ALCOHOLICS

ABSTRACT

This study sought to determine the impact of alcohol on certain biochemical markers. The study included one hundred and eighty (180) male alcoholics who appeared to be healthy and had no hypertension. The control group consisted of forty (40) non-alcohol consumers. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the control was 10.50±2.00 IU/L, but it was 16.50±1.50 IU/L, 17.50±2.00 IU/L, and 18.31±2.00 IU/L in alcoholics who preferred palmwine, beer, and distilled spirit, respectively. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the control group was 9.51±0.35 IU/L, while it was 18.44±0.40 IU/L, 19.21±0.19 IU/L, and 20.32±0.64 IU/L in alcoholics who preferred palmwine, beer, and distilled spirit. Alcoholic participants who preferred distilled spirits had considerably greater ALT and AST activity (p < 0.05) compared to those who preferred palmwine and beer. The lowest activity levels were found among drinkers who preferred palmwine. Furthermore, drinkers had significantly greater serum total bilirubin concentrations (p < 0.05) than the control. The serum total bilirubin values were 18.65 ± 2.10.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol refers to a class of chemicals that are hydroxyl derivatives of aliphatic hydrocarbons. However, in this study, the term alcohol, without further qualifier, refers only to ethanol. Man has ingested a variety of alcoholic beverages in his continued search for euphoria-producing stimuli.

Alcohol has a high standing among some people as a social lubricant that relieves tension, gives self-confidence to the insecure, distorts perceptions of unpleasant reality, and acts as an escape from environmental and emotional stress.

Different people have loved and hated alcohol at various points in their lives. Alcohol has been celebrated as healthful, particularly for the heart (red wine), and most pleasant to the taste buds, before being dismissed as “demon’s rum” and “devil in solution” depending on the prevalent view.

Despite the apparent divergent and sometimes conflicting views on alcohol, drinkers and non-drinkers agree that excessive and chronic alcohol consumption is a disorder. It develops gradually yet predictably, similar to any other chronic condition.

The initial or pre-alcoholic symptomatic phase begins with the usage of alcohol to reduce tension. The second (or prodromal) phase is characterised by a variety of behaviours, including alcohol obsession, secretive drinking, and memory loss (Hock et al., 1992).

During the third (or critical) phase, the individual loses control of his drinking. This loss of control marks the start of the illness process of addiction.

The individual begins drinking early in the morning and continues drinking until late at night. Impairment in biochemical activities becomes apparent when the alcoholic’s organs degenerate. By the time the alcoholic reaches the end (chronic phase), he or she has developed additional medical issues.

Prolonged intoxication becomes the norm. Alcoholic psychosis develops, causing impaired thinking and continuous dread and tremors (Klemin and Sherry, 1981). A formerly responsible person may become an inebriate or alcoholic.

Fear-instilling but thought-provoking words like “coming epidemic” and “miserable trap” have been used to express concern about the possible dangers of widespread alcoholism.