ESTIMATION OF GAMMA-GLUTAMYL TRANSFERASE AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITIES AMONG ALCOHOLICS IN ABAKALIKI

Richard Chinaza Ikeagwulonu1, Henry Chukwuemeka Uro-Chukwu2, Zeal Chinwe Ikeagwulonu3  , Ngozi Immaculata Ugwu4, Uzoma Vivian Asiegbu5

Page No. 63-74

The present study was designed to evaluate the plasma GGT and ALP levels in alcoholics in Abakaliki using a cross-sectional laboratory-based design involving eighty (80) respondents of fifty alcoholics and thirty non-alcoholics. A self-structured questionnaire was administered to both groups to collate data on participant’s demographics. GGT and ALP were analyzed calorimetrically, using Randox and Spectrum reagents respectively and according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Data generated from the study were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The results, showed significant (r = -0.298, p =0.007) increase in GGT in alcoholics (6.78±3.919) compared to non-alcoholics (4.33±3.698) while no significant (r = 0.185, p = 0.185) change was observed in ALP values in alcoholics (97.22±38.94) compared to non-alcoholics (113.53±47.791). GGT was not significantly correlated with age (r = 0.002, p =0.991) and BMI (r = 0.051, p = 0.724). Also, ALP was not significantly correlated with age (r = -0.232, p = 0.105) and BMI (r = -0.043, p = 0.765). In conclusion, GGT measurement may be a suitable screening test in assessing liver involvement in alcoholics.
Key words: gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, alcoholics.