Influence of alcohol consumption on hepatic function in healthy gainfully employed men.

Abstract In general, with one exception, there is no striking relationship between alcohol consumption and liver function test results in apparently healthy gainfully employed men. Urine coproporphyrin excretion varies directly with alcohol consumption, probably not, however, as a consequence of hepatic dysfunction. Evidence is presented that excessive alcohol ingestion may result in scores on certain tests, serum bilirubin, and hippuric acid particularly, that are "more normal" than usual. This is probably related to cellular hyperfunction associated with minimal damage.