Evaluation of Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Level in Areca Nut Chewers

Background:
Areca nut chewing is a common social tradition in many regions of the
world particularly in Southeast Asia. It is one of the addictive substances
that have toxic manifestations in immune, hepatic and other defense
systems.
Objective:
To assess the effects of areca nut on liver function by serum alanine
aminotransferase (ALT) level in areca nut chewers.
Methods:
This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in department of
Physiology, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur from July 2022 to June
2023. Total number of 200, age range from 30 to 45 years, were
selected after satisfactory inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were
divided into two groups. Group A- 100 areca nut chewers, Group B-100
non areca nut chewers. Their liver function status was studied by
measuring serum alanine aminotransferase level. For statistical analysis
data were analyzed by students t-test, level of significance p<0.05, was
performed by computer-based software SPSS-25.0 version for windows.
A p-value <0.05 was accepted as level of significance. Ethical
consideration was achieved by taking an informed written consent after
briefing about objectives of the study. Quality was assured through
avoidance of missed data, filling of code, regular entry of data and
careful data analysis.
Results:
Mean serum ALT level was significantly (p<0.001) higher in areca nut
chewers than non areca nut chewers.
Conclusion:
The increased serum ALT level in areca nut chewers is evidence of
development of hepatic disorders due to areca nut consumption.