Lipid Profile and Reductive Enzyme Activities in Chronic Alcoholics in Aba Metropolis

Abstract

Purpose: Chronic alcohol consumption predisposes individuals to several disorders, though, such effect depends on its level of concentration in the blood overtime. To ascertain the effects of alcohol on various tissues and organs of the body, the study evaluated the plasma lipids and reductive enzymes in alcoholics in Aba Metropolis. Methodology: A total of one hundred and fifty subjects comprising hundred alcoholics and fifty age marched non-alcoholics were included in the study. Subjects with chronic diseases or other health issues and subjects with intake of drugs like thiazides, beta blockers and steroids were excluded from the study while those who were regular drinkers met the inclusion criteria for the test group. Both the test group and control group resided within Aba Metropoli.  The alcoholic subjects were grouped into moderate and heavy drinkers based on the amount of alcohols consumed per week. Serum was obtained from blood collected from the subjects by venipuncture was used to determine lipid profile and the reductive enzymes. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS version 25) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance level for the analysis was set at P-value equal to or less than 0.05 (P=<0.05). Findings: There was a significant increase in the mean levels of TC, TG, LDL, GGT and LDH in heavy drinkers’ alcoholics when compared to those who consumed alcohol moderately and non-alcoholics (control). In moderate alcoholics, there was significant increase in HDL and decrease in LDL when compared with heavy alcoholics. However, the increase in the assayed parameters in alcoholics suggest that high alcoholic beverages may induce derangement in some biochemical parameters monitored. Recommendation: The study recommend that health awareness to be carried out to inform the public and vulnerable individuals on the risk of chronic alcohol consumption which may predispose them to various health problems.