Effects of Cigarette Smoking and Alcohol Consumption on Hepatorenal Indices

Abstract

Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking aside has been documented to cause various harm to various organs, like the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas, it is also a known major risk factor for developing chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and several malignancies. However, their effects on renal and hepatic functions remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on hepatorenal indices such as liver enzymes [Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)] and renal indices (Urea, Creatinine). 160 subjects within Ilorin metropolis comprising of 40 smokers, 40 alcoholics, 40 alcoholic smokers and 40 controls were recruited for this cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on their clinical history, and anthropometric data after the consent form was signed.  Liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT, GGT) and renal indices (Urea, Creatinine) were determined spectrophotometrically using commercially prepared kits. However, the values for glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equations. A one-way ANOVA p-value of <0.05 was considered using SPSS 23.0 statistical package. ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, Urea and Creatinine were significantly elevated in smokers when compared with control (p<0.05), however, the eGFR level was reduced in smokers, alcoholics and alcoholic smokers when compared with controls (p<0.05).These findings shows that cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption have a deleterious effect on both renal and hepatic function indices, and suggest that they do these by promoting lipid peroxidation and thus induces oxidative stress.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, liver enzymes, renal indices, oxidative stress