GGT is a microsomal enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. It is predominantly found in large amounts in the kidneys, liver, and pancreas. Within the cell, the enzyme is located in the membrane, lysosomes, and cytoplasm. High GGT activity in the blood serum is observed in liver and biliary tract diseases.
The enzyme level in newborns and children under 6 months is 2–4 times higher than in adults, as GGT actively participates in the "glutathione cycle." Gender differences also affect GGT levels, with enzyme activity in women being 20–25% lower than in men.
- The test requires a blood sample taken from a vein.
- The analysis should be conducted after 8–14 hours of fasting overnight.
- The test can also be done 4 hours after a light meal.
- Avoid high emotional stress and physical activity before the test
- Differential diagnosis of liver diseases, especially in cases of cholestasis
- Monitoring the dynamics of chronic hepatitis and myocardial infarction
- Diagnosis of hepatitis without jaundice
- Alcoholism screening
- Monitoring treatment in patients with chronic alcoholism
- Assessing the hepatotoxicity of medications
Increased GGT Levels
- Intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis
- Acute viral hepatitis, liver toxicity, or radiation injury
- Chronic hepatitis
- Acute and chronic pancreatitis
- Use of hepatotoxic drugs
- Alcoholism
- Kidney pathologies
- Pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, hepatoma