Biochemical Effects of Chronic Alcohol Consumption on Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile in Adult Males in Ogun State

Alcohol-related liver disease is a growing public health problem in southwestern Nigeria, and the biochemical documentation of its early markers in community-based male drinkers is important for preventive health interventions. This study evaluates the effects of chronic alcohol consumption on liver enzymes and lipid profiles in adult male consumers compared to non-consumers in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Seventy-five adult males who self-reported consuming alcohol regularly for at least one year and fifty age-matched non-alcohol-consuming males were recruited through community survey. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire capturing alcohol type, daily quantity consumed, duration of drinking, and associated lifestyle factors. Fasting venous blood was collected and serum analysed for ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP activities using kinetic UV methods, and for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C by enzymatic colorimetric assays. Results show significantly elevated serum GGT, AST, and ALT in chronic alcohol consumers compared to non-consumers. GGT showed the highest sensitivity for chronic alcohol exposure, with 74 percent of drinkers exceeding the upper reference limit. Among lipid parameters, triglycerides and LDL-C were significantly elevated in drinkers, while HDL-C was paradoxically elevated in moderate drinkers but reduced in heavy drinkers, consistent with established dose-dependent patterns. Quantity consumed per day was the strongest predictor of liver enzyme elevation. These findings support targeted liver disease prevention strategies in the adult male population of Ogun State. Keywords: alcohol consumption, liver enzymes, lipid profile, chronic alcohol, Ogun State.