Gamma gt blood test is elevated what does this mean. Ggt in a biochemical blood test, its norm and alarming indicators Gamma gt is increased causes in women treatment

Antipyretics for children are prescribed by a pediatrician. But there are emergency situations for fever when the child needs to be given medicine immediately. Then the parents take responsibility and use antipyretic drugs. What is allowed to be given to infants? How can you lower the temperature in older children? What medications are the safest?

Vizborov’s lines “if I get sick, I won’t go to the doctors” now sound somehow irrelevant. Sooner or later we all go to the doctor. And doctors usually refer us for tests to create a more complete picture and clarify the diagnosis.

And now, having received the results in our hands, we peer at the form and try to decipher what we have. If the indicators fall within the range of standards, then we breathe a sigh of relief, they say, everything is fine with me. But, if they go beyond the prescribed, then questions arise. When you ask a doctor questions about this, the maximum you can get is something sophisticated medical. Regarding explanations in an understandable language, doctors are akin to computer scientists. It’s just that when you turn to the latter, the subtext of the answer is that you won’t understand anyway, but to doctors you don’t even need to understand.

So, if we are not medical workers or biochemists, and the test results are alarming, we must learn to read these indicators.

As an example, let’s try to decipher the results of this type of analysis as gamma-glutamyltransferase. In medical documents it is usually abbreviated as gamma-GT or simply GGT.

To begin with, let’s understand that this is a biochemical blood test, which is necessary to learn more about how the body’s organs work. Gamma GT is an enzyme that is one of the indicators that is active in many organs of the body. But most of all it is produced by the cells of the liver and glands such as the pancreas, thyroid and prostate.

If the GGT analysis showed the norm, and other indicators are within the acceptable range, then there is nothing to worry about. If the indicators are underestimated, then this may indicate a decrease in function. thyroid gland, that is, hypothyroidism. And this is a direct route to an endocrinologist.

But most of the questions arise with increased values of analysis indicators. If gamma GT is elevated, then it is worth understanding in more detail.

Firstly, you could have taken any medications, and they turned out to be toxic to the liver, as a result of which the enzyme is activated and the levels increase. If you look at the instructions for use of some drugs, then in the section side effects you can find a record about the possibility of increasing GGT.

Secondly, the same goes for drinking alcohol. This analysis allows you to diagnose alcoholism in the early stages, when symptoms are not yet evident.

Thirdly, the organs associated with bile, namely the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder, form a system called hepatobiliary. Any disruption in this system can result in increased gamma-HT. If the process of formation or excretion of bile is disrupted, depending on the location of the pathology, intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholestasis develops, in which gamma-GT increases many times over.

Fourthly, an increase in GGT may be observed with impaired renal function, increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism), or when taking certain hormonal drugs. Relationships have been identified between increased gamma-HT activity and the risk of cardiovascular diseases; for men, increased levels may indicate problems with the prostate.

It must be said that high coefficients of this analysis are markers for identifying other pathological manifestations in the body. But most often such an examination is prescribed to identify the deviations listed above.

To top it off, I would like to note that the correct interpretation of test results can only be given by a professional, and an experienced one at that, who can compare the study results with the symptoms and complaints manifested. Well, the information provided will help you better understand the results of the analysis, because when not one, but two understand, a tandem is created. And in tandem it is always easier to work and make the right decision.

In order to identify possible diseases and evaluate general state, various blood tests are prescribed. Including gamma-GT - a test for gamma-glutamyltransferase. This type of analysis is in most cases used for complex diagnostics, however, some diseases can be identified using only this analysis, for example, chronic alcoholism. This pathology causes significant changes in this enzyme, which is clearly reflected in the test results.

What is gamma GT?

Gamma-glutamyltransferase is an enzyme that is produced during a number of biochemical processes. It takes part in the metabolism of amino acids, and is constantly present in cell membranes and inside the cell itself. This enzyme can be found in large quantities in the pancreas, liver and kidneys. In men, this enzyme also accumulates in the prostate, and since women do not have it, their gamma-GT levels are lower.

In its structure, gamma GT is a complex protein that is normally absent in the bloodstream. Gamma-GT enters the general bloodstream only after the cell is destroyed. The norms of this enzyme vary depending on gender and age. But you need to know that an increase in gamma GT is always a sign of ill health.

Most often, the gamma-GT test indicator is used in the diagnosis of liver diseases, but an increase in the enzyme can also be observed in pathologies of other organs.

Gamma-GT is increased in women - what does this mean?

Gamma-GT analysis is prescribed in the following cases:

alcohol dependence monitoring;
diagnosis of pathologies of the liver, bile ducts and its ducts;
monitoring of malignant neoplasms and metastases;
monitoring the success of therapy for pathologies of the liver or gallbladder;
diagnosis of extrahepatic pathologies, in this case this analysis is combined with other studies.

If a gamma GT test shows an increase in enzyme levels, this may mean that the following pathologies are present:

cholestasis - stagnation of bile;
cytolysis - death of liver cells;
alcoholism;
development of oncology;
pancreatitis;
liver pathologies;
mononucleosis;
kidney diseases - tumors, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis;
rheumatoid arthritis;
hyperthyroidism;
hepatitis B or C;
severe form of food poisoning.

In addition, you need to know that during pregnancy the level of gamma HT always increases. This is due to the load that increases on the organ during pregnancy. Also during this period, chronic processes may worsen, which also affects the functioning of the liver. Taking this into account, the norms for pregnant women are as follows.

A biochemical blood test provides valuable information about a person’s health status. One of the important indicators of biochemistry in women is GGTP, or gamma-glutamyltransferase.

What is GGTP?

Gamma-GT (synonyms - gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, GGTP, gamma-glutamyltransferase) refers to an enzyme that is produced during a number of biochemical processes. This substance takes part in the metabolism of amino acids and is regularly found in and inside cell membranes. Most of all it is present in such organs:

If gamma-GT is elevated, the causes in women may lie in diseases of the listed organs. Since women do not have a prostate, the gamma-GT level will normally be lower than in men. Gamma-glutamyltransferase is present in small quantities in other organs, but its importance is not decisive.

An increase in the indicator never passes without leaving a trace; it always signals a problem in the body. GGTP is most abundant in the liver tissues, so damage to them should first be ruled out.

For women, the normal value is 6-32 IU/liter, or 10-66 units/liter (depending on the measurement in a specific laboratory).

For comparison, in men the figure is 18-100 units/liter, in children it varies by age. It is worth giving the most common reasons for the increase in the indicator in women:

A blood test is taken on an empty stomach, it is prepared during the day. After the doctor draws conclusions about the possible prerequisites for increasing the enzyme.

How to detect an increase in gamma-GT?

With a number of symptoms, one can suspect that the gamma-GT level in women is elevated. Only a slight increase can not give clinical picture. Typically, with all pathologies of the hepatobiliary system that accompany the growth of gamma-HT, there is stagnation of bile. This condition can manifest itself:

No less often, the patient develops dyspeptic disorders - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Sometimes constipation occurs instead of diarrhea. Since even heart disease can be the cause of an increase in GGTP, they may be accompanied by chest pain, pallor, fainting, and shortness of breath.

Cholestasis is the main reason for the increase in the indicator

With pathologies of the hepatobiliary system, cholestasis occurs - this condition means that bile reduces the rate of excretion. The reason is both the cessation of its transport through the biliary tract and the slowdown in production in the liver.

Gamma-GT concentrations in women most often increase due to liver disease.

Blockage of bile outflow can occur in advanced stages of cirrhosis, with severe fatty hepatosis. If the levels of AST and ALT of the liver are simultaneously increased, viral hepatitis A, B, and less often C can be suspected. inflammatory process the level of gamma-glutamyltransferase increases with toxic liver damage, poisoning, and sclerosing cholangitis. All of these diseases cause intrahepatic cholestasis, which is also accompanied by an increase in bilirubin.

Extrahepatic cholestasis can have the same consequences, when the work of ducts located outside the liver is disrupted. This means that the gallbladder is affected in the following diseases:

All these pathologies often cause a concomitant increase in alkaline phosphatase in the blood. Treatment will be aimed at improving the flow of bile and blocking inflammation.

Tumor processes

Cancer of the liver and other organs of the hepatobiliary system can be primary or metastatic. If cancer cells multiply in organs, liver function tests and gamma-GT begin to be released in increased volume. For large tumors, the analysis transcript shows a serious excess of the indicator - 10 times or more.

On initial stages oncology, the excess of the enzyme can be moderate.

Among other things, a pancreatic tumor can cause changes in tests. This organ is responsible for the production of a number of amino acids, which include gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.

Therefore, after treatment, the amount of enzyme in the blood stabilizes, and in case of relapse it usually increases. A moderate increase in the number can indicate the presence of cysts and other benign tumors.

Other possible reasons

Regular examinations and blood tests are recommended for anyone undergoing long-term treatment. Many tablets cause cytolysis (cell death) of the liver. This provokes the release of large amounts of liver enzymes into the blood. In women, this often happens when taking a course of estrogens and corticosteroids.

To assess the patient's general health, doctors prescribe a biochemical blood test. In particular, a test for gamma-glutamyl transferase. The analysis is most often used for complex diagnostic purposes. However, there are cases when the presence of pathology can only be detected using such a test. If gamma GT is elevated, the doctor determines the reason for this indicator in the woman, and then prescribes appropriate therapy.

Causes of elevated gamma HT in women

What is Gamma GT

Gamma-glutamyltransferase is one of the enzymes of the pancreas and liver. It is contained in cells, as well as in their membranes. If there are no health problems, there is practically no gamma-glutamyl transferase in the blood. Normal indicators enzymes vary depending on both gender and age. At the same time, an overestimated level in tests is always a sign of pathology.

When is a GGT test done?

A gamma-glutamyltransferase test is prescribed as part of a comprehensive blood test. The most informative test will be in the following cases:

cancer monitoring;
detection of liver diseases;
control of treatment of pathologies of the hepatobiliary system;
identifying the causes of increased alkaline phosphatase.

Also test for gamma GT as one of the elements general analysis can also be carried out to determine pathologies not related to liver function.

Normal gamma-GT levels in women

Treatment for elevated gamma-GT levels

Only a doctor should decipher test results. You cannot independently draw conclusions about the state of your health, because only a medical specialist has information about all the nuances of possible diseases. The test result is assessed comprehensively, taking into account the patient’s medical history and age. On average, normal indicators are the following:

age up to six months - less than 200 units per liter;
from 6 months to 1 year - less than 34 units/l;
1-3 years - up to 18 units/l;
3-6 years - up to 22 units/l;
6-12 years - about 15 units/l;
12-17 years - less than 33 units/l;
over 18 years old - within 42 units/l.

The gamma-GT indicator also increases during the period of bearing a child, which also needs to be taken into account. Chronic processes during pregnancy can worsen, so the norms for women in this situation are different:

1st trimester - 0-17 units/l;
2nd trimester - less than 33 units/l;
3rd trimester - up to 32 units/l.

The standards may differ slightly depending on the methods used for analysis. The information is provided for informational purposes only. Only a doctor can draw conclusions about the state of health and diagnose diseases.

Increased gamma HT in a woman - what does this mean?

There are many reasons why the level of gamma-glutamyltransferase in the body may increase. The indicator may indicate the presence of the following conditions:

severe food poisoning;
stagnation of bile - cholestasis;
development of oncology;
alcoholism;
death of liver cells - cytolysis;
pancreatitis;
hepatitis B or C, etc.

Taking some pharmacological compounds can also affect the level of GGT in the body.

Treatment for elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase levels

When figuring out how to normalize GGT, you need to understand that it is necessary to treat the underlying disease, which cannot be correctly diagnosed without the help of a doctor. Often the disease can be serious, and the doctor initiates hospitalization of the patient, and sometimes even surgical intervention may be necessary.

To begin with, the doctor directs the patient to undergo comprehensive examination, which includes ultrasound of the liver and thyroid gland, as well as examination of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment is tailored individually, based on research results.

If an increase in gamma-GT is combined with an increase in ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and other transferases, this may indicate the presence of liver disease in a woman.

The doctor will prescribe the patient a special therapeutic diet, which is aimed at normalizing cellular metabolic processes and involves giving up:

fried;
acute;
fatty;
alcohol.

If the reason increased rate Gamma GT lies in excess weight, poor diet, excessive physical activity, taking oral contraceptives, or abusing alcohol, you can reduce the level yourself. Your daily diet should include fruits and vegetables, plant foods containing vitamin C. It is recommended to eat carrots, spinach, apricots, pumpkin, lettuce, etc. Bad habits should be abandoned completely.

You should not self-medicate. Only an experienced doctor can accurately determine the cause of increased GGT, diagnose the disease and prescribe effective therapy.

For example, if gamma glutamyl transferase is elevated due to liver disease, then nausea, vomiting, itching and yellowing of the skin, dark urine, and very light-colored feces may occur.

Increased GGT in the blood: what are the reasons

Changes in the level of gamma-glutamyl transferase may be temporary and return to normal (table with norms) after eliminating the causes of such changes. These include: taking drugs that thicken bile or slow down the rate of its excretion (phenobarbital, furosemide, heparin, etc.), obesity, low physical activity, smoking, drinking alcohol even in small quantities.

Causes of an increase in gamma-glutamyl transferase by 10 times or more:

jaundice as a result of impaired bile outflow and increased intraductal pressure;
poisoning and toxic damage to the liver;
neoplasms of the liver and pancreas, in men - the prostate;
diabetes;
myocardial infarction;
rheumatoid arthritis;
hyperthyroidism;
chronic alcoholism and a number of other diseases.

With long-term alcohol consumption, the level of GGT is increased significantly (the ratio of gamma-glutamyltransferase to AST is about 6). The level of this enzyme in the blood is affected by the amount, duration and frequency of consumption of alcohol-containing products.

Increased GGT and other enzymes (AST, ALT)

Because the elevated level GGT in the blood does not accurately diagnose the disease and can be caused by other reasons; the doctor prescribes an additional examination of the liver.

drinking large amounts of alcohol;
taking narcotic substances;
diabetes
inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract;
large excess weight;
increased triglyceride levels;
taking some medicines.

GGT in biochemical analysis blood exceeds 100, ALT is less than 80 and alkaline phosphatase more than 200 is observed with:

slowing down the outflow of bile against the background of excessive alcohol consumption;
decrease in the outflow of bile as a result of cirrhosis of the liver;
obstruction of bile flow due to gallstones gallbladder or squeezing bile ducts neoplasms;
other reasons.

An increase in the level of gamma-glutamyltransferase to 100, with ALT and AST above 80 and ALP less than 200, may mean:

the presence of viral hepatitis (A, B or C) or the Epstein-Barr virus (sometimes viral hepatitis occurs without an increase in the level of liver enzymes);
excessive effect on the liver of alcohol;
fatty hepatosis.

The GGT indicator is increased to 100, ALT exceeds 80 and ALP more than 200. This means that the outflow of bile is obstructed, and liver cells are also damaged. Reasons for this state of affairs include:

chronic hepatitis of alcoholic or viral nature;
autoimmune hepatitis;
neoplasms in the liver;
cirrhosis of the liver.

To make an accurate diagnosis, additional examination and in-person consultation with a doctor is necessary!

The GGT indicator in a biochemical blood test diagnoses bile stasis. This is a very sensitive marker for cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts) and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) - it rises earlier than other liver enzymes (ALT, AST). A moderate increase in GGT is observed in infectious hepatitis and fatty liver (2-5 times higher than normal).

Treatment of increased GGT in the blood: how to lower and normalize

Treatment of elevated GGT levels begins with diagnosing the condition of the body and identifying the exact cause of the increase in this enzyme. Treatment of diseases that cause increased gamma-glutamyl transferase can reduce its level.

You must stop smoking and drinking alcohol. WHO recommendations on how to quit smoking and how to stop drinking will help you get rid of these habits. This will also reduce elevated GGT.

What is the enzyme Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase: norms, reasons for increase and decrease

A biochemical blood test helps assess the functional state of the organs and systems of the body. For diagnosis, it is important to assess the state of various microelements, including enzymes. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is an enzyme in liver cells and bile ducts; it is a catalyst for a number of biochemical reactions. The GGTP test is most sensitive for cholestasis (stagnation of bile). It is indicated when symptoms such as:

fatigue, weakness;
loss of appetite;
nausea and vomiting;
pain in the right hypochondrium;
change in color of urine and feces;
skin itching, jaundice.

Concept and structure

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT, GGTP, Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase - GGTP) is an enzyme necessary for the metabolism of amino acids. It acts as a catalyst for the transfer of a gamma-glutamyl residue from a gamma-glutamyl protein to another protein, amino acid or molecule. GGTP is a heterodimeric protein; its subunits consist of polypeptide chains. The active center of the enzyme is located outside the cell membranes.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase accumulates in:

Kidneys. The concentration is 7000 times higher than in blood serum.
Liver. 500 times more than whey.
Pancreas. Here its content is 650 times higher than in blood serum.

The presence of the enzyme in small quantities is noted in:

In cells, the enzyme is localized in membranes, lysosomes and cytoplasm.

GGTP is a marker of hepatotoxicity. In case of liver disease, the level of the enzyme in the blood increases in 90% of cases. Moreover, Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase is more sensitive to pathologies of the liver and biliary tract than alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT or AST).

Indications for analysis

The GGT test is used to confirm disease of the bile ducts and liver. It is most effective in cases of suspected tumors in the pancreas, the presence of stones in the bile ducts and blockage of the bile ducts.

The analysis is important for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholism. GGT also helps to monitor the condition of patients with diseases associated with elevated enzymes and evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.

Testing for GGT is indicated for:

During routine inspections.
In preparation for surgery.
To assess liver function - as part of standard liver tests.
To detect bile stagnation.
If you suspect alcoholism.
During the treatment of alcoholism, alcoholic hepatitis.
While taking medications that cause cholestasis.

Norm

Venous blood is used for analysis. Normal values depend on the gender and age of the patients. The determined enzyme level depends on the equipment used, units of measurement (U/l, U/ml or μkat/l, with 1 U/l = 0.0167 μkat/l). Therefore, when interpreting results, it is necessary to focus on data from one laboratory.

The high concentration of the enzyme in newborns is explained by the fact that its source in the body during the first days of life is the placenta, and only then Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase begins to be produced in the liver.

The level of GGT in the blood also depends on race - among representatives of the Negroid race the levels are approximately 2 times higher than among Europeans.

In adult men, as can be seen from the table, the concentration of GGT is higher than in women. This is due to the presence of an enzyme in the prostate gland, which helps in the diagnosis of prostatitis and prostate cancer - in these cases, the level of GGT increases sharply.

In pregnant women, the indicators differ from the reference values by different stages pregnancy:

In the first trimester (up to week 13), the enzyme level is 0-17 U/l.
In the second trimester (14-26 weeks), the GGT level reaches 33 U/l.
In the third trimester (week 27-39) the rate does not exceed 32 U/l.

Reasons for the increase

An increase in GGT levels is of decisive importance in the diagnosis of diseases of the hepatobiliary tract and liver. The enzyme is most sensitive to damage to hepatocytes (liver cells) in comparison with alkaline phosphatase, glutamate dehydrogenase, AST, ALT, etc. An increase in the concentration of Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase indicates hepatotoxicity: in 90% of cases of liver pathologies, the enzyme level increases.

GGT is especially sensitive to the effects of alcohol. This fact is used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for alcoholism - a month after treatment, the level of GGT is reduced by half.

The main reasons for the increase are:

Damage to the biliary tract. GGT is a marker of bile stagnation. An increase in the indicator may indicate the presence of stones in the ducts, scars after operations, neoplasms, and cancer of the head of the pancreas.
Liver damage, including hepatitis in acute and chronic form.
Alcoholism - in 60% of cases, since 30% of alcoholics have normal enzyme levels.
Infectious mononucleosis. The development of pathology involves the liver. The infection is accompanied by the following symptoms: fever, increased The lymph nodes, pharynx becomes inflamed.
Extremely high levels of GGT together with alkaline phosphatase are a sign of autoimmune damage to the bile ducts. They are associated with rare diseases primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis.

For hepatitis acute form the level of GGT rises earlier than the values of ALT and AST (aminotransferases). Moreover, at the peak of the disease, the concentration of Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is several times lower, but returns to normal more slowly. This helps control the healing process.

There are other reasons for increased GGT. These include:

Pancreatitis.
Mammary cancer.
Prostate cancer.
Lupus erythematosus.
Heart failure.
Myocardial infarction - in this case, an increase in concentration is observed 4 days after the onset of the disease.
Diabetes.
Hyperthyroidism.
Rheumatoid arthritis, lung disease.

Taking certain types of medications increases the level of Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the blood. Antibiotics, statins, paracetamol, aspirin, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, testosterone and a number of other substances can increase GGT levels.

Among physiological causes, increased levels of the enzyme cause obesity.

If the analysis results indicate an increase in GGT, it is necessary to identify the reason for its increase. Based on the examination, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes the necessary treatment.

Read in this article about the normal levels of total protein in the blood for children and adults.

Reasons for the downgrade

In patients suffering from alcoholism, a decrease in GGT levels is observed a month after the start of treatment - abstinence from alcohol. This is due to the lack of a stimulant (ethanol) to enhance the synthesis of the enzyme by liver cells.

Also, the reasons for a decrease in the level of Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase are:

Hypothyroidism.
Taking hormonal contraceptives, clofibrate.

Regular physical activity and a strict vegetarian diet can help reduce GGT concentrations.

Why the increased level of Gamma-GT?

A biochemical blood test can tell a lot about the state of the human body. One of the most important indicators is Gamma GT. It has other names: gamma-glutamyltransferase, GGTP and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase.

What it is?

GGTP is a microsomal enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. It is present in the membranes and cytoplasm of cells. Its significant concentrations are observed in the liver, pancreas, kidneys and prostate in men. Since women do not have a prostate gland, their Gamma-GT activity is 2 times lower. Small amounts of this enzyme are found in tissues other than muscle.

Standards for various methods studies vary but depend on the person's age and gender. An increase in Gamma GT is always a sign of trouble. The indicator is of primary importance for diagnosing liver diseases, although in pathologies of other organs, enzyme activity can also be increased.

The main reasons for the increase in GGTP activity are:

stagnation of bile – cholestasis;
death of liver cells - cytolysis;
influence of alcohol;
taking medications;
development of the cancer process;
damage to other organs.

All these changes can be caused by external influences, as well as internal causes, leading to damage to the liver and other organs.

Cholestasis syndrome

Liver pathology is often characterized by stagnation of bile. Cholestasis is the most common cause of increased gamma-GT activity. In this case, the indicator can increase 5 or more times compared to the norm. Cholestasis is characterized by a violation of the formation of bile and its removal from the biliary system into the duodenum.

If these disorders are associated with pathology of the liver itself, then they speak of intrahepatic cholestasis. Its reasons may be:

viral hepatitis;
cirrhosis of the liver;
primary and secondary sclerosing cholangitis;
toxic damage (alcohol, drugs).

If stagnation is associated with impaired excretion of bile from the extrahepatic ducts, then this condition is called extrahepatic cholestasis. The main reasons are:

cholelithiasis;
tumors in the bile ducts;
cancer of the head of the pancreas or stomach, leading to compression of the common bile duct.

Under the influence bile acids Enzymes, including gamma GT, are released from cell membranes. All this begins to enter the blood. The skin becomes yellow and itchy. A number of other symptoms appear. In addition to an increase in GGTP, there is an increase in alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and bile acids in the blood. Urobilinogen appears in the urine. ALT and AST increase to a lesser extent.

To combat cholestasis, you must first eliminate the cause. If these are stones or tumors, they should be removed. If necessary, hepatoprotectors are used. To improve the formation and outflow of bile, choleretic drugs are prescribed:

Cytolysis syndrome

The death of liver cells is accompanied by the release of enzymes, including gamma-GT, from them and penetration into the bloodstream. Cytolysis is observed during viral and toxic liver damage (alcohol, drugs, toxins). Autoimmune damage is also possible systemic diseases, for example, with systemic lupus erythematosus. At the same time, antibodies are produced to the liver tissue, which cause negative changes.

But the main role is played by hepatitis B and C viruses, which may not manifest themselves for a long time. Changes in the biochemical blood test are detected by chance, and after a series of additional research A diagnosis of chronic viral hepatitis is established. If the process is acute, then gamma-GT rises in the blood before aminotransferases (ALAT, AST). At the height of the disease, its activity becomes less, but this indicator takes much longer to normalize.

Liver damage can be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis. This is characterized by inflammation of the pharynx, enlarged lymph nodes and fever.

Hepatotoxic poisons have a severe damaging effect:

toadstool toxins;
arsenic;
cyanides;
phenol and its derivatives;
pesticides;
bacterial toxins.

To improve the condition of the liver and bring enzymes back to normal, it is necessary to find out and eliminate the cause of such changes. In this situation, hepatoprotectors come to the rescue, thanks to which the cell membranes of hepatocytes are restored and liver function is normalized.

For treatment can be used:

essential phospholipids – Essentiale, Essliver;
essential phospholipids with glycyrrhizic acid – Phosphogliv;
ademetionine – Heptor, Heptral;
ursodeoxycholic acid – Ursosan, Ursofalk;
herbal preparations – Karsil, Silibinin, Legalon.

Effect of alcohol

Alcohol stimulates the production of GGTP. This is in addition to the direct toxic effect. In people who drink a lot and often, the degree of increase in this indicator clearly depends on the amount of ethyl alcohol consumed. This test can be successfully used to identify alcoholism, as well as to monitor treatment. When you give up alcoholic beverages for 10 days, the activity of gamma-GT in the blood decreases by 50%.

There is only one recommendation here - stop drinking alcohol. Otherwise, alcoholic liver disease will develop, manifested by fatty infiltration (fatty hepatosis) followed by atrophy of liver cells. The next stage is alcoholic cirrhosis. And these are already irreversible changes.

Effect of drugs

Many drugs that have a gapatotoxic effect increase the formation of the enzyme. These include:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - paracetamol, indomethacin, nimesulide, aspirin, diclofenac;
antibiotics – amoxiclav, tetracycline, doxycycline, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, nitrofurans, sulfonamides, cephalosporins;
anti-tuberculosis drugs – isoniazid, rifampicin;
hormonal agents - estrogens, androgens, anabolic steroids, corticosteroids;
neuroleptics – aminazine, haloperidol;
barbiturates – phenobarbital;
anticonvulsants – benzonal, carbamazepine, diazepam;
antitumor drugs;
antifungal agents - amphotericin, griseofulvin, ketoconazole, fluconazole;
anesthetics - ethers, halothane, chloroform;
cardiovascular drugs - anticoagulants, nifedipine, captopril, diuretics, enalapril, amiodarone, losartan, antianginal, statins;
other groups - azathioprine, allopurinol, methotrexate.

This is not a complete list. Induction of liver enzymes is often combined with direct toxic effects and cholestasis. If during treatment an increase in the activity of liver enzymes is detected, the drug is discontinued and replaced with another. Hepatoprotectors help restore impaired liver functions.

Tumor lesion

A significant increase in GGTP is observed with cancer of the liver, both primary and with the appearance of metastases. Enzyme activity may increase in pancreatic and prostate cancer in men. This indicator decreases during remission and increases as the disease progresses.

The increase in gamma-GT is due to many factors: cell death, stagnation inside the ducts and toxic effects against the background of cancer intoxication.

There is only one way out of this situation - treatment of cancer with surgery or chemotherapy. But chemotherapy itself can cause an increase in the activity of liver enzymes.

Other reasons

Since the enzyme is present in most organs, its increase can be observed in various diseases:

Inflammation of the pancreas – pancreatitis.
Diabetes mellitus, which is often associated with pancreatic pathology.
Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland – thyrotoxicosis.
Severe heart failure, in which congestion develops and cardiac cirrhosis of the liver develops.
Kidney diseases: glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome, pyelonephritis, renal failure.
Neurological diseases.
Injuries.
Brain diseases.
Burn (peak gamma-GT increase after approximately 10 days).
Taking hormonal medications for the thyroid gland.

And yet, the determination of gamma-GT is the most sensitive test specifically for liver pathology, even more informative than other markers: ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase. And if it increases, then the reason should be sought first of all here. Monitoring such an indicator can be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

A very complex article, not for my level :) but it was still interesting to read, thank you!

Thank you very much. I read and understood everything. Very accessible and detailed.

Very good, accessible article, thank you very much. The most important thing is on time for me. They did an ultrasound, then sent me to donate blood, gamma GT was off the charts. I'll go and rent it again. How many times am I convinced that you should never settle on one doctor. Before diagnosing myself, yes, yes, I was not mistaken in diagnosing myself, because no one needs us, thank God, I never had to go to the doctors before I was 63 years old, the first time I went to see her with abdominal pain, one doctor looked at me, another, one answer “I have nothing”, in the end I gave up on everything. I take tests myself, prescribe ultrasounds and MRIs for myself, then look on the Internet for answers to my questions. You can’t get to the clinic at your place of residence, you have to register a month in advance, during which time you can die and fix more than one funeral. In short, long live Commercial clinics and the Internet. I just don’t understand why we need insurance policies?

The therapist said “the tests are normal”! But when I myself began to compare my results of a general blood test with the norm, I was horrified! Yes, in my case it is difficult to determine the reason for the 2-fold increase in gamma HT, BECAUSE of pathologies, many, many medications are taken after cardiac surgery. But with the therapist, “everything is normal,” just as the specialists at the local clinic treat us. There is no limit to indignation!

Gamma GT is elevated: enzyme diagnosis and possible diseases

To determine the health status of the human body and identify many various diseases Several types of different blood tests are used. One of them is a test for gamma-glutamyl transferase, or gamma GT. This type of analysis may also be referred to as GGT, and may also be called a gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase test.

Most often, this type of analysis to assess the state of health or diagnose a disease is used in conjunction with other types of tests and examinations, but a change in the GGT norm clearly indicates some diseases and conditions. For example, chronic alcoholism causes serious changes in the level of this enzyme, which is reflected in test results.

Gamma GT: description of the enzyme and diagnostics

GGT: meaning, purpose, preparation and analysis procedure

Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, or GGT, is an enzyme found in liver cells and bile ducts. It serves to stimulate a number of biochemical processes and is not located directly in the blood.

This enzyme enters the bloodstream only after cell destruction, so the level of GGT constantly fluctuates, but within normal limits. If there is some kind of pathology, the process of cell destruction intensifies, and the amount of enzyme in the blood increases sharply. Peak rises in gamma HT indicate the presence of serious diseases and help in diagnosing them.

For analysis, blood is taken from a vein and the blood serum is examined. The sample is taken in the morning, on a completely empty stomach.

The rules for preparing for the test are simple and do not differ from the requirements for other types of blood tests, but they must be followed.

Before conducting a blood test, you must refuse to eat for at least half a day. You will have to abstain from smoking for an hour before the test. Any alcoholic beverages, even low-alcohol ones, will have to be abandoned a day before visiting the laboratory - even a meager amount of alcohol will affect the correctness of the result. As with other types of blood tests, it is recommended that you remain emotionally calm and not overexert yourself physically.

Useful video - Liver diseases: developmental features and treatment methods.

Such an analysis is prescribed in the following cases:

To determine the condition and level of liver damage.
Monitor the progression of liver, pancreatic and prostate cancers.
Identification of alcoholism and monitoring the effect of treatment on chronic alcoholics.
Assessment of the dangerous effects of drugs on the liver.

About the presence of various irregularities in work internal organs says the result of the analysis, in which gamma GT is increased.

Explanation: normal

In an adult male, gamma HT is increased relative to a woman of the same age, since this enzyme contains such a specific male organ as the prostate gland. Throughout a man’s life, his GGT level remains stable.

In newborns, the GGT is extremely high, but it usually normalizes during the first months of life. The values of this enzyme are even higher in premature babies.

Reasons for enzyme elevation

High Enzyme Levels: Possible Causes

If, after the analysis, it turns out that the gamma of HT is increased in it, this may indicate significant changes in the functioning of the internal organs. However, if a person has consumed alcohol, this may affect the result of the test, so the recommendations for preparing for the test emphasize the need to give up alcoholic beverages in advance.

Due to this property of GGT, this analysis becomes indicative for determining the state of chronic alcoholism. In a person who has drunk vodka or other alcoholic drink, after some time, gamma HT levels decrease to normal, but in an alcoholic they remain elevated, sometimes quite significantly. Also, a high gamma HT may indicate a state of acute alcohol poisoning.

In addition to diagnosing alcohol dependence, this analysis is used to monitor the quality of treatment for a person suffering from chronic alcoholism.

Constant decline in indicators and their stabilization at normal level indicates that the treatment is working effectively and the person is getting better. A GGT test with high results suggests that the patient has a number of diseases. Among them there may be those that pose a serious threat to the health and life of the patient.

GGT: deviation from the norm - possible diseases

Elevated gamma HT levels indicate the presence of the following diseases:

Lesions of the pancreas. This may be diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis in acute or chronic form, accompanied by various unfavorable conditions, for example, the formation of a cyst or other benign tumor. Very high levels of excess GGT may indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer.
Liver diseases. There are a lot of them: a complication after Botkin's disease, hepatitis B and C, cholecystitis, stones in the gallbladder and ducts, complications of cholelithiasis, including after surgery, cirrhosis, including those caused by alcohol abuse, primary biliary cirrhosis, benign and malignant tumors of the liver, obstructive jaundice, provoked by squeezing of the bile ducts and the inability to transport bile. Metastases to the liver from other organs due to cancerous lesions (most often with oncological diseases breast and lungs). Primary sclerosing cholangitis – autoimmune disease associated with obstruction of the bile ducts.
Infectious mononucleosis – acute viral disease, accompanied high temperature, severe inflammation of the pharynx, enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes. Often has a negative effect on the liver.
Diseases of the kidneys. These include: acute pyelonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis in the stage of its exacerbation, glomerulonephritis, kidney tumors, including malignant ones.
Prostate cancer.
The autoimmune disease is systemic lupus erythematosus. In such a disease, antibodies of the human immune system perceive their own tissues as foreign and attack them, causing the disease.
Heart failure.
Myocardial infarction, but not in the acute stage, but with secondary involvement of the liver due to increased heart failure.
Increased functioning of the thyroid gland – hyperthyroidism.

In addition to diseases, high GGT levels may be influenced by certain medicines e.g. ascorbic acid, aspirin, barbiturates, antibiotics, antidepressants, hormonal drugs, antifungal agents and much more.

Analysis for gamma HT is not always informative enough to accurately determine the existing disease using this sample alone. Usually it becomes part of a comprehensive diagnosis of diseases.