Transient elevation of hepatic enzymes in volunteers after intake of alcohol
Yue, M.; Ni, Q.; Yu, C.-H.; Ren, K.-M.; Chen, W.-X.; Li, Y.-M.
Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases International Hbpd Int 5(1): 52-55
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1499-3872 PMID: 16481283 Document Number: 601323
In the organs that mediate alcohol effects on the human body and its health, the liver plays a particular important role. This study was designed to detect the changes of hepatic enzymes after alcohol intake and evaluate the corresponding damage to the human body. Fifteen volunteers were included according to the criteria. After the intake of 80 g ethanol containing beverage, alcohol levels were detected and blood samples were collected at 0.5- to 3-hour interval to detect the levels of hepatic enzymes simultaneously. After the intake of 80 g ethanol, various symptoms occurred in volunteers while the concentration of blood alcohol peaked at 1 hour and normalized within 24 hours. The ratio of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased significantly when the venous alcoholic concentration increased from 0 g/L to 1.2 g/L and the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) were elevated when the alcoholic concentration reached 0.4 g/L. No significant changes were noticed in ALT, AST or cholinesterase (CHE). Acute alcohol intoxication may cause the changes of hepatic enzymes and prove the existence of reversible hepatic injury.