Status of Liver Enzymes in Women on Hormonal Contraceptives in Maiduguri

Abstract

Estrogens and oral contraceptives are both associated with several liver- related complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of liver enzymes in women on hormone-based contraceptives attending the family planning unit of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). One hundred and eighty women participated in this study of which hundred (100) were on hormonal contraceptives and eighty (80) were non- contraceptives users (controls). Phenolphthalein monophosphate method was used for the measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity while Reithman and Frankel method was used for the measurement
of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) activity. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16.0. The mean values of ALP and AST activity were significantly (p<0.05) higher in contraceptive users as compared to the controls (25.52±11-39 vs 11.65±10.26) IU/L versus (39.21±23.65 vs 13.64±10.10) IU/L respectively. The means of ALP, AST and ALT activity was significantly (p<0.05) higher in short-term contraceptives users when compared with long- term users (27.78±12.75 versus 21.50±6.96.,49.72±21.41 versus 22.47±16.38 and 13.59±12.02 versus 8.19±4.30) IU/L respectively. A significant (p<0.05) negative correlation (r=-0.26 and r= -0.35) was observed between duration of use of contraceptives, ALP and AST activity respectively. Considering therefore the fact that the liver plays a central role in the metabolism of oestrogen and progestogens it becomes obvious that these substances can act directly or indirectly on the liver to produce a variety of biological effects which have both physiological and pathological significance.