Abstract

We analysed the multivariate relationship between alcohol intake and serum gamma glutamyl-transpeptidase(S-GGTP), aspartate aminotransferase(S-ASAT), alinine aminotransferase(S-ALAT) and age. A group of 1,351 healthy male white color workers aged 18 to 59 years were systematically examined. Weekly alcohol intake and duration was obtained by an interview. The results are as follows: 1. Weekly alcohol intake of 18-29 age groups was significantly less than that of other age group each. And no differences between other age groups can be seen. 2. Statistical analysis of variance showed that the differences found between the various drinking groups was significant for the mean S-GGTP, S-ASAT(P<0.01). 3. From the weekly alcohol intake 180-269 g group, significantly higher values of S-GGTP was found, whereas S-ASAT and S-ALAT were not. 4. Statistical chi-square trends test showed that the difference found between the various drinking groups was significant for the percentage of abnormal S-GGTP, S-ASAT and S-ALAT (P<0.01). 5. Fifty-five percent of the raised values of S-GGTP found between had no identifiable clinical or biochemical abnormality apart from a raised S-GGTP. Fifty-six percent of these otherwise normal subjects came from 31.7% who were moderate or heavy drinkers. It is suggested that the determination of S-GGTP might have value as a screening test for alcoholism. 6. Significant correlations have been found between weekly alcohol intake and corresponding S-GGTP, S-ASAT and S-ALAT values, 0.33, 0.20 and 0.26. respectively. 7. Multiple regression analyses confirmed the superiority of S-GGTP over S-ALAT and S-ALAT as a laboratory marker of alcohol intake and showed the advantage of using S-GGTP and S-ALAT together.