GGT are the initials of a substance whose high values indicate that there is a health problem.
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What is the GGT and what is it for?
GGT stands for the enzyme gamma glutamyl transferase . This molecule is found in different tissues of the human body, and it is useful to allow the diagnosis of different diseases related to the liver.
Although GGT is also found in organs such as the heart, kidneys or pancreas, its presence in the liver and gallbladder is much greater. Its main function is to transport amino acids from one peptide to another, being essential to cross cell membranes.
The concentration of this substance in the blood depends primarily on the health of the hepatobiliary system. For this reason, high levels of GGT in the blood are directly related to liver and gallbladder disease.
It is for this reason that GGT is used as a means of detecting problems related to these organs, commonly linked to the development of some disease.
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Causes
When there is a problem with the liver or gallbladder, GGT usually increases . This happens therefore when suffering from diseases such as cirrhosis, cholestasis or the appearance of cancer cells in these organs.
Therefore, there is no doubt that the GGT represents an indicator to keep in mind in the event that something is going wrong in these organs. It is one of the first indicators to look at if there is even the slightest suspicion that there may be a problem.
However, the importance of this indicator is diminished when it comes to knowing what is happening. Its specificity is very low, that is, it gives information that there is damage to these tissues but does not explain the exact cause.
Thus, finding GGT in the blood indicates problems but very little else. It does not give precise information compared to other indicators such as the presence of transaminases or bilirubin.
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Related diseases
The causes of having a high GGT are not clear, there are different possibilities . After obtaining this initial information, it is necessary to go further to detect the problem that may be affecting the health of the person who receives such an analytical result.
On some occasions, your high results may be indicating pathologies that are not typical of the liver, such as some cardiovascular or bone diseases. Comparing this indicator with others such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can provide more useful diagnostic information.
1. Gallstones
The increase in GGT is very sensitive if the person suffers from gallstones . High GGT is known to be the first liver enzyme to increase when one of the ducts that carries bile from the liver to the intestine becomes blocked. This explains, for example, that there are stones or a tumor.
2. Hepatitis
Any type of hepatitis can increase GGT levels . There are many possible causes for hepatitis, from a virus to food poisoning, and all can increase GGT levels in the blood.
3. Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of high GGT . This chronic disease occurs mainly when people are not taking medication, either because they have not yet been diagnosed or because they are not aware of it.
4. Liver cancer
Cancer cells also generate high levels of GGT . Injuries that occur in liver tissue usually lead to an increase in this substance in the blood. It is not a disease that can be diagnosed with this indicator alone, so much more extensive testing is needed.
5. Trauma
Severe trauma to the liver can lead to an increase in GGT . Any type of blow that generates direct damage to the liver can cause liver damage that leads to an increase of these substances in the bloodstream.
6. Indirect damage to the liver
Sometimes the liver has problems from indirect causes . It may be that a tumor appears in another tissue that is pressing on the liver, also causing an increase in GGT. For this reason sometimes you have to go further and explore the possible causes beyond the place it seems more logical to examine.
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7. Heart disease
Heart failure or high blood pressure can also cause high blood GGT . High levels of GGT are sometimes directly due to problems in other systems or organs, especially in the case of the cardiovascular system. High concentrations of GGT are not always caused by liver or biliary problems.
8. Blood hypoperfusion
Lack of blood supply is another possible cause . It is not one of the most common, but there are some diseases or injuries that lead to a lack of blood supply to the gallbladder or liver. Sometimes internal bleeding can be related.
9. Alcoholism
Alcohol is a toxic substance, especially for the liver . This organ is the one in charge of metabolizing most of the alcohol that enters the human body, and excessive consumption of this substance can lead to diseases such as cirrhosis and liver problems that lead to internal injuries and scars.
10. Smoking
Tobacco is very harmful to health, and also to the liver . The harmful substances contained in tobacco generate many free radicals that oxidize cells throughout the body. In addition, there are many toxic compounds that tobacco carries that end up in the liver, as it is the body’s main organ for filtering the blood and separating harmful substances.
11. Kidney diseases
Some kidney diseases can also increase GGT levels . Kidney failure or chronic kidney disease are some of the responsible diseases that can alter the normal GGT values.
12. Drug toxicity
Some drugs also cause liver damage . As is known, drugs have side effects, and liver damage is one of the usual ones. In some cases it is a lesser evil when fighting a serious disease such as cancer, but sometimes the cause can be found in not practicing safe medication.
Bibliographic references
- Lum, G. y Gambino, S.R. (1972). Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity as an indicator of disease of liver, pancreas, or bone. Clinical Chemistry, 18 (4), 358–362.
- Whitfield, J.B. (2001). Gamma glutamyl transferase”. Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 38 (4), 263–355.
- Yokoyama, H. (2007). [Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (gammaGTP) in the era of metabolic syndrome]. Japanese Journal of Alcohol Studies & Drug Dependence, 42 (3), 110–124](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17665541).
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