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The surprising truth behind high GGT levels: Is it more than just a sign of liver problems
γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is an important enzyme in the body. It is not only closely related to liver health, but also plays a key role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies suggest that elevated GGT levels may not only signal liver problems, but may also be linked to a variety of other health issues.
GGT is expressed in many tissues, especially in the liver, where it plays an important role on the cell membrane and participates in the metabolism of amino acids and toxins.
On the one hand, as a transpeptidase, one of the main functions of GGT is to catalyze the transfer of γ-glutamyl groups, a process that is important for the synthesis and decomposition of glutathione. Glutathione is the main antioxidant in the human body and is essential for maintaining the stability of the intracellular environment.
In addition, GGT is widely distributed in different organs, including the kidney, pancreas, heart and brain, which means that its relevance to various physiological processes and disease conditions cannot be ignored.
Through the GGT test, doctors can effectively detect diseases of the liver and biliary system and use it as a diagnostic indicator of liver function.
Clinical significance of GGT
GGT testing is commonly used to diagnose various liver diseases. When GGT levels are elevated, they often point to disease in the liver, bile duct, or pancreas. In patients with chronic viral hepatitis, GGT may be delayed for several months before it becomes elevated. This is why doctors often order this test.
Clinically, GGT is closely related to alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and can be used to confirm whether elevated ALP is caused by biliary disease.
However, elevations in GGT are not limited to liver disease. Certain medications, such as phenobarbital and phenytoin, may also increase GGT levels. In addition, recent studies have found a significant correlation between a slight increase in GGT and cardiovascular disease, which has attracted widespread attention in the medical community.
Alcohol use and GGT
The increase of GGT is closely related to alcohol consumption. Long-term or heavy drinking can lead to a significant increase in GGT. Although elevations in total GGT are not specific for alcohol intoxication, significant elevations in GGT in the presence of other liver enzymes, such as ALT, may indicate harmful alcohol use or risk for alcoholic liver disease.
Studies have shown that alcohol may increase the production of GGT by promoting the formation of liver microsomes, or directly cause GGT to leak from liver cells.
GGT and Cardiovascular Health
In recent years, GGT has been found to have unexpected links with cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that GGT can accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques and may be associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. GGT is present in the blood and circulates in the form of specific protein aggregates, some of which are associated with specific pathological conditions such as metabolic syndrome, alcohol addiction and chronic liver disease.
Cancer and GGT Association
More strikingly, GGT is expressed at high levels in a variety of tumors and has been shown to accelerate tumor growth and resist chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, studying the role of GGT in tumor biology has become a focus of scientists.
In various tumors, the expression of GGT is associated with tumor development and its resistance to therapy, which provides a new direction for the early diagnosis of cancer.
In summary, GGT is not only an important indicator of liver health, but may also play a key role in a variety of diseases. As research progresses, our understanding of this enzyme is increasing, and its applications in clinical diagnosis and treatment are expanding. Have you ever noticed that people around you are neglecting GGT, which may be closely related to our health?
