Abstract

COMBINED EFFECTS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE, ALCOHOL AND CIGARETTE SMOKE ON HEPATIC FUNCTION AND SELECT MICRONUTRIENTS IN WOMEN

*Iyanda A.A., Anetor J.I., Oparinde D.P

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to determine the effect of combined oral contraceptive (COC) on serum select micronutrients levels in women using COC, consuming alcohol and exposed to cigarette smoke, and to identify if differences in degree of exposure to these agents are capable of modulating effects of COC on antioxidant elements and vitamins thereby increasing their risks of developing oxidative stress-induced diseases as well as hepatic diseases commonly associated with alcohol consumption. Venous blood samples were taken from the studied population for estimating serum vitamins, zinc, copper and selenium and indices of hepatic function. The studied population was divided into smokers\binge drinkers and passive smokers\social drinkers groups. ALT, AST, ALP & copper were not significantly different in exposed group compared with control (p>0.05). Both GGT and total bilirubin were significantly increased while zinc and selenium were decreased (p<0.05). In addition, among the combined oral contraceptive users, both binge drinkers\smokers and social drinkers\passive smokers groups had a more depleted Zn, Se and serum vitamin levels compared with non-drinkers\nonsmokers group and controls. These results suggest that women on COC consuming alcohol and smoking cigarette may be more susceptible to oxidative stress-induced diseases because of enhanced depletion of antioxidant elements (zinc & selenium) as well as antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, C & E).

Keywords: Zn, Se and serum vitamin.