Serum total thiol status in alcohol abusers

Thiol (-SH) groups are the major intracellular and extracellular reducing agents. This study estimates such thiol groups in alcohol abusers. Serum total thiols and liver function test parameters were estimated by spectrophotometric methods in alcohol abusers on admission (group I) and thirty days after alcohol abstinence along with life style modification (group II) and in non-alcoholic healthy controls. Serum amino transaminases, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase levels were increased and total thiols, total proteins and albumin levels were decreased in group I cases compared to group II cases and controls. Total thiols status improved significantly along with tranasaminases and transapeptidase with thirty days of alcohol abstinence and life style modification. In conclusion, total thiol status is decreased in alcohol abusers and abstinence of alcohol along with life style modification improves thiol antioxidant status and liver function.