Why the gamma gt enzyme can be elevated and what to do. Why the level of gamma HT is increased: norm and deviations, causes The value of gamma HT in a blood test

The norm of GGT in women and girls older than one year is from 6 to 29 units / l. It should be noted that in women, the enzyme increases with age in women. In men, the indicators are slightly higher, and therefore the GGTP norm is:

• 1-6 years old: 7-19 units;
• 7-9 years old: 9-22 units;
• 10-13 years old: 9-24 units;
• 14-15 years old: 9-26 units;
• 16-17 years old: 9-27 units;
• 18-35 years old: 9-31 units;
• 36-40 years old: 8-35 units;
• 41-45 years old: 9-37 units;
• 46-50 years old: 10-39 units;
• 51-54 years old: 10-42 units;
• 55 years old: 11-45 units;
• From 56 years old: 12-48 units.l;

As already mentioned, the GGTP rate is usually increased when the liver tissues are damaged, but the decoding of the analysis does not indicate the exact cause of the pathology. Generally, the higher the level of glutamyl transpeptidase, the greater the damage. In addition, elevated GGT may indicate cirrhosis or hepatitis, but may also be the result of congenital heart failure, diabetes, or pancreatitis. In addition, GGT in the blood may be elevated due to the use of drugs that are toxic to the liver.

Elevated GGT levels may indicate cardiovascular disease and/or hypertension. Drugs that increase GGT include phenytoin, carbamazepine, drugs from the barbiturate group (Phenobarbital). In addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, antibiotics, histamine receptor blockers (used to treat excess stomach acid) can increase the level of this enzyme. Antifungals, antidepressants, testosterone also increase GGT levels.

Low GGT values ​​indicate that the patient has a normal liver and does not drink alcohol at all. If an elevated ALP level is accompanied by a very high GGT, this rules out bone disease, but if the GGT is normal or low, a bone problem may be present. In addition, clofibrate and oral contraceptives can lower GGT levels.

GGTP norm indicators

According to generally established standards, this biochemical blood test for men is considered to be a normal enzyme level in the range from 10.4 M / l to 33.8 MO / l. For the female body, this figure is slightly lower, from 8 Mo / l to 22 MO / l.

Even if this result indicates that the level is significantly elevated from the established norm, it confirms the presence of the development of an inflammatory or pathological process that is caused by a certain disease.

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Gamma-glutamyltransferase GGT, yGT

Definition

• GGT is an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism.
• This enzyme is found in many organs, often in the liver, kidneys and pancreas.
• An increase in GGT is a marker for the diagnosis of cholestasis (bile stasis) in diseases of the biliary tract.
• GGT can also be pathological in myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome.
• With normal GGT, one can rule out liver disease with a high degree of probability.
• The clinical significance of isolated high GGT (i.e. with normal ALT and AST) is limited, often occurring in patients without complaints.
• Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is also a marker of cholestasis, but with less sensitivity.
• The GGT / ALA coefficient (GGT result divided by the ALT result) is used to differentiate chalestatic and inflammatory liver diseases (for details, see - decoding tests for liver diseases -).

Indications

• GGT is one of the laboratory screening parameters for liver diseases.
• Monitoring and monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment of diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
• One of the parameters for diagnosing chronic alcoholism.

Reference values ​​(normal limits)

• Units of measurement - mU/l or µmol/l per second.
• Unit conversion: 1 µmol/l per second = mU/l x 0.017.
• Reference values ​​are taken from Thomas L. Labor und Diagnose 2008.

The indicated limits of the norm may differ from those of your laboratory. Therefore, be guided by the norms indicated on the form of your analyzes.

e. = days after birth; m. = month; l. = years.

Deciphering the results

• Significant (>5 times the upper limit of the norm) increase in GGT activity is often found in cholestatic liver disease.
• Slight increase in GGT (here).
• The reason for the increase in transaminases is often not found.
• High transaminases are often associated with hereditary diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, etc.) in young children.

Gamma GT Upgraded

Found (25 posts)

... biochemistry for indicators of bilirubin total, direct, ALT, AST, Gamma-GT, Alkaline phosphatase. I did everything quickly (it was ... ALT, AST, Gamma-GT, Alkaline phosphatase. From all these analyses, a little promoted bilirubin was. The doctor I went to said that ... open

… 5.9.). But yesterday, in addition to cholesterol, it was discovered: Gamma-GT 73.2! And AlAT 59 (at normal ... Or maybe such an increase in Gamma GT, because I finished taking it two days ago ... with shampoo. 2 weeks. Maybe from this promoted index? THANK YOU VERY MUCH. SORRY… open

... indicators are increased, erythrocytes are increased since February, it was also promoted hemoglobin. Tell me, what could it be? what additional ... total - 5.9 µmol / l (3.4 - 20.5)
Direct bilirubin - 2.4 µmol/l (Gamma- GT- 14 U/l (open

constant heartburn even on water on ultrasound xp pancreatitis xp cholecystitis non-closure of the cardia in the blood serum promoted gamma-gt 98 the doctor prescribed ursosan drink the second week of improvement minimal gallstones no open

... blood with a leukocyte formula is normal. In the biochemical analysis increased: Gamma-GT- 55 units / l, Glucose - 6.0 mmol / l, atherogenic coefficient - ... Siofor-500. A month ago c-reactive protein was also promoted, but my arm hurt, the surgeon diagnosed ... open

The blood test showed that gamma GT strongly promoted could it be due to high blood sugar? open

Question to the therapist.
Dear doctor!
I turn to you with the following question: Based on the results of a blood test, I have promoted ALT and Gamma GT Which specialist should I contact and what examinations should I go through. Thank you in advance for your answer. open

…. Tonight I received the results of the UAC and Biochemistry. They said that promoted bilirubin.
Here are the test results:
ALT 27.4
AST 51.6…. 70.37
Glucose 5.19
Tot. bilirubin 22.37
Gamma GT 30.73
Bilirubin direct 4.76
Amylase 44.49

UAC:
WBC 7.9 X 10^9/L … open

… 113 (0-145)
KFK-mv 50 (0-24)
ALT 20 (0-35)
AST 102 (0-51)
Gamma-GT 11(1-39)
ShchF 253 (124-341)
promoted

… 113 (0-145)
KFK-mv 50 (0-24)
ALT 20 (0-35)
AST 102 (0-51)
Gamma-GT 11(1-39)
ShchF 253 (124-341)
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs: periportal changes in the liver ... can not understand why, if we have AST promoted because of the heart, does not subside. After all, KFK is … open

What does it mean if GGTP is elevated

The increase in GGTP numbers is due to the increased activity of the enzyme, which appears if problems begin in the liver and biliary tract. Normally, the activity of GGTP is insignificant, it is directly related to the release of an enzyme that is synthesized in the liver. That is why, even with minimal disturbances, GGTP grows upwards.

If, when deciphering the biochemical analysis, it was determined that the level of the enzyme is significantly higher than normal, the test must be repeated. In the event that the trend towards an increase in the indicator persists, such a result is assessed as reliable and requires further examination.

The main reasons for the increase in GGTP activity are:

• Stagnation in the gallbladder;
• Inflammatory processes in the liver (caused by hepatitis viruses);
• Cirrhosis of the liver;
• Cholangitis;
• Billiary cirrhosis of the liver;
• Toxic damage (alcohol, drug);
• Destruction of liver cells - cytolysis
• Viral hepatitis viruses (A, B and C) can provoke the development of damage and destruction of liver cells, while the disease proceeds without any complaints for a long time;
• Liver damage can cause the Epstein-Barr virus, which is the cause of the development of infectious mononucleosis;
• Hepatotoxic drugs;
• Inflammatory processes of the liver, provoked by hepatitis A, B, C viruses;
• Pathology of the skeletal system;
• Alcohol abuse.

Alcohol stimulates the formation of GGTP. For those who drink large amounts of alcohol, the degree of increase directly depends on the amount of alcohol consumed.

This test is effective for detecting alcoholism, as well as monitoring its treatment. With the refusal of alcohol for a week, the activity of GGTP is reduced by 50%.

A very important area of ​​​​application of the test for determining GGTP is oncology. So, in patients with malignant tumors with liver metastases (in the presence of jaundice or not), GGTP activity is increased.

At the same time, in patients without metastases, activity exceeds the norm.

A significant increase in GGTP is observed with liver damage, both primary and with the appearance of metastases. Enzyme activity can increase in pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer in men, and intestinal cancer. At the same time, a 2-fold increase in GGTP can be detected.

With slaughter and concussions, a significant increase in GGTP activity is observed. Thus, its activity can be used to diagnose brain injuries.

A number of drugs also induce GGTP activity in the liver. Therefore, it is important to monitor the indicator throughout the entire period of treatment, in order to timely replace the drug, if necessary, or adjust the dosage.

The enzyme also increases in other diseases, since it can also be determined in the cells of other organs:

1. inflammatory processes of the pancreas - pancreatitis;
2. diabetes mellitus;
3. in violation of the thyroid gland thyrotoxicosis;
4. with cardiac cirrhosis (the result of stagnation in heart failure);
5. various kidney diseases;
6. neurological diseases, including the brain;
7. traumatic injuries;
8. burns.

What the study shows

This type of laboratory diagnostics is also called "blood biochemistry". It serves to study the component composition of plasma. Since the normal composition and levels of individual substances in the blood are well understood, any deviations serve as more or less accurate indications of specific diseases or, at a minimum, an increase in risks due to poor lifestyle and nutrition (or bad habits).

The circulatory system permeates the entire body and connects the internal organs with highways for biochemical supply and exchange, as well as the removal of substances. Thus, in the case of any pathology of the internal organs, the component composition of the blood changes, and the changes can be scientifically interpreted in the course of deciphering the data obtained.

When conducting blood biochemistry, the nature of the referral for analysis matters. What indicators are required is decided by the specific attending physician. It can be a hepatologist, nephrologist, urologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, oncologist, gynecologist, cardiologist, and even just a general practitioner or pediatrician.

Biochemical analysis is able to show such a complete picture that it is often figuratively compared in medicine with the "truth serum".

The study may be of an aspect nature, or may relate to a detailed profile

In the latter case, during the consideration of plasma samples taken for biochemical analysis, more than two dozen parameters are taken into account.

Among them:

• total protein;
• creatine anhydride (creatinine);
• albumins and globulins (protein fractions);
• low and high density lipoprotein;
• total cholesterol and triglycerides;
• uric acid and urea;
• total and direct bilirubin;
• glucose, potassium, sodium.

Particular attention is paid to the group of enzymes:

• gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT);
• aspartate aminotransferase (AST);
• alanine aminotransferase (ALT);
• alkaline phosphatase (AP);
• creatine kinase (CK);
• alpha amylase.

As a result of the analysis of blood biochemistry, a medical specialist can not only diagnose diseases or prevent the risk of their development, but also identify a deficiency:

1. macro- and microelements;
2. vitamins;
3. bioactive substances (as the same enzymes).

The GGT level is one of the most demanded aspects of a biochemical blood test, since it is directly related to the health of organs, the slightest failure in which immediately affects the course of metabolic processes, as well as the effectiveness of cleansing the body of toxins and decay products.

Foods, drugs, toxins, anything that harms the liver

In addition to internal factors of the liver, there are external ones that affect its condition:

1. Alcohol, in addition to having a toxic effect on the liver, also stimulates the production of the enzyme gamma glutamyl transpeptidase.
2. Toxins. Of course, alcohol and medications act on the liver in a destructive way. But there is another group of toxic substances, the use of which destroys this organ: the poison of the pale toadstool, arsenic, cyanides, phenol, pesticides. Some act almost immediately, others for some time, depending on the dose.
3. There are whole groups of drugs that adversely affect the liver. The most famous to the average consumer are aspirin, paracetamol, enalapril, hormonal and antifungal drugs. When using any medication, you should carefully read the instructions, especially contraindications.

The concentration of gamma GGT exceeds the norm in pancreatitis, prostatitis, diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, kidney diseases, injuries, and pancreatic diseases.

It is possible to restore the normal level of GGT if the reasons for its increase are eliminated:

1. Remove stones and tumors. When stones are removed from the liver, the entire gallbladder is removed. For normal digestion, there is a need for choleretic drugs. It is better if they are of vegetable origin.
2. Normalize the state of the liver with hepatoprotectors. They are able to restore the functions of the cells of the body, protect them from toxins, poor-quality food, and drugs.
3. Refuse some medications that provoke an increase in gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, replacing them with others.
4. Change jobs if you work with toxic drugs. Health is more expensive.
5. Quit smoking and alcohol. Tobacco contains nicotine, which affects the liver. The exact dose of alcohol that can be consumed without harm to the liver has not been calculated. It depends on many factors. But if you have health problems, exclude all alcohol and nicotine.
6. Diet. Perhaps you should not resort to a strict diet. But nutrition needs to be adjusted. Avoid animal fats as much as possible. The main food should be foods rich in fiber, carotene, folic acid and vitamin C. These are plant foods: carrots, pumpkin, lettuce, spinach.

With the help of a blood test for GGT, you can monitor how an organ is responding to treatment, or how a person is struggling with his addiction to alcohol.

Reasons for increasing GGT in the blood

With severe bile stasis (cholestasis), the level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase begins to increase earlier than alkaline phosphatase. However, when interpreting the analyzes, it must be taken into account that GGT can react sharply to any diseases of the hepatobiliary system. Therefore, an increase in GGT must always be correlated with the activity of ALT and AST.

In jaundice, the ratio of GGT to ALT is a direct indicator of an increase in bile stasis relative to the destruction of cellular structures.

Attention! In chronic alcoholics, the level of GGT in a biochemical blood test can increase more than 50 times from normal values.

The degree of increase in gamma glutamyl transferase will be directly dependent on the dose and frequency of drinking alcohol. Therefore, GGT is often used in the control of alcohol withdrawal.

In addition to liver damage by alcohol, this enzyme also responds to the development of drug-induced hepatitis when taking hepatotoxic drugs (tetracyclines, sulfonamides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, etc.).

The next reason for the increase in GGT are primary malignant tumors of the hepatobiliary system or liver metastases. Benign neoplasms, as a rule, do not give such changes in the analyzes, since their growth is not accompanied by the destruction of healthy tissue and severe intoxication. The exception is tumors that lead to obstruction (blockage) of the bile ducts and contribute to the development of obstructive jaundice.

Among other "biliary" reasons for the growth of gamma HT in the analyzes, cholelithiasis, acute and chronic cholecystitis are distinguished.

Also, gamma glutamyltransferase reacts to pancreatic and prostate cancer.

Hypertension leads to disability and premature death! Read what to do

In addition to toxic (drug, alcohol) liver damage and malignant tumors, GGT increases with:

• acute and chronic viral hepatitis;
• hepatitis of non-infectious nature;
• infectious mononucleosis;
• fatty hepatosis;
• cirrhosis;
• severe poisoning.

Important. Gamma glutamyltransferase, unlike ALP (alkaline phosphatase), does not increase with bone damage, the development of kidney failure

In pregnant women, its levels are also unchanged.

In addition to diseases of the hepatobiliary system, GGT can increase with damage to other organs and the use of certain medications, in particular, this enzyme is increased with:

• myocardial infarction (here the cause is not only myocardial damage, but also the process of activation of regenerative processes occurring in the heart muscle and hepatic parenchyma, in this regard, the maximum increase in GGT occurs in the third week after a heart attack);
• kidney damage (chronic glomerulonephritis and amyloidosis);
• taking antiepileptic and anti-tuberculosis drugs;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• hyperthyroidism;
• obesity
• diabetes.

GGT can decrease with hypothyroidism and prolonged use of large doses of ascorbic acid.

Attention. GGT in women can be increased while taking hormonal contraceptives.

What can lead to increased results, except for diseases

Alcohol abuse on the eve of a blood test can lead to increased results of the level of gamma-glutamyl transferase. It was also previously mentioned that some drugs can influence the results of the study, overestimating the real values.

These medicines include:

• barbiturates;
• statins are a group of drugs used to lower blood cholesterol levels;
• antidepressants;
• some types of antibiotics;
• oral contraceptives and some other hormonal drugs;
• Aspirin, Paracetamol.

Also noted is the fact that in obese individuals, the level of the enzyme will be higher than normal. This should be taken into account by the doctor when interpreting the results of the study.

Causes of ggt deviation from the norm

To make a correct analysis to determine the level of ggt, you need to take the material only from the peripheral vein. The diagnostic procedure takes from 1 hour to 2 days. The results must be recorded on paper. After that, the attending physician makes a transcript in order to make an accurate diagnosis for the patient, determine the disease, hidden pathological processes in the body.

It is important to correctly determine the rate of ggt. Based on the results obtained, appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

The patient must properly prepare for blood sampling. Inaccuracies in the analysis occur for the following reasons:

• the patient has been taking vitamin complexes for a long time, which contain an increased amount of ascorbic acid,
• before taking blood, the patient took paracetamol or aspirin,
• use of oral contraceptives,
• taking sedatives, antibiotic drugs, histamine blockers.

This pathology often affects the condition and functioning of the liver. Deviations also show the progression of autoimmune pathology, diabetes mellitus, and oncological processes.

They often occur in men in the prostate or breast. In the acute form of rheumatoid arthritis, the protein in the blood increases by 2-3 times, so the patient is immediately prescribed appropriate therapy.

Sometimes the rate goes down. This process indicates the development of hypothyroidism, a chronic form of alcohol dependence. In this case, it must be increased to the optimal value. Plasma ggt levels decrease with regular statin use. These are medicines that help lower blood cholesterol levels.

The interpretation of the analyzes should be carried out by the attending physician. Patients can use the table on their own, but sometimes deviations are temporary and do not pose a threat to health. The patient will not be able to determine the characteristics of the disease, as well as prescribe the correct treatment. If there is doubt about the accuracy of the diagnosis, the patient is shown passing additional laboratory and instrumental tests.

Experts talk about the norms, features of ggt in these videos:

GGT in the blood is increased causes, treatment, diet

Increased GGT in the blood: what are the reasons

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

With prolonged use of alcohol, the level of GGT is increased by 10-30 times (the ratio of gamma-glutamyl transferase to AST is about 6). The content of this enzyme in the blood is affected by the amount, duration and frequency of consumption of alcohol-containing products.

Full liver check: what tests and examination methods are needed to make an accurate diagnosis

Increased GGT and other enzymes (AST, ALT)

Since an increased level of GGT in the blood does not allow an accurate diagnosis of the disease and can be caused by other reasons, the doctor prescribes an additional examination of the liver.

• drinking large amounts of alcohol;
• taking drugs;
• diabetes
• inflammatory processes in the digestive tract;
• large overweight;
• increased levels of triglycerides;
• taking certain medications.

GGT in a biochemical blood test exceeds 100, ALT is less than 80 and alkaline phosphatase is 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 the outflow of bile due to stones in the gallbladder or compression of the bile ducts by neoplasms;
• other reasons.

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

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

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

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

Treatment of an increased level of GGT begins with a diagnosis of the state of the body and identification of the exact cause of the increase in this enzyme. Treatment of diseases due to which gamma-glutamyl transferase has increased can reduce its level.

You must stop smoking and drinking alcohol. To get rid of these habits, WHO recommendations on how to quit smoking and how to quit drinking will help. It will also lower the elevated GGT.

More on this topic

Other analysis indicators:

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Norms

The rate of GGT in the blood varies depending on the age, gender and even race of a person. In newborn babies, the amount of GGTP in the blood can reach 185 units / l, and in children under the age of 6 months this figure can increase to 200 units / l. In adults, the GGT index ranges from 6-70 units / l, and the norm for women is significantly lower than for men.

Such a high concentration of gamma HT in the blood plasma of infants is explained by the fact that for several days after birth, the enzyme is practically not produced by the liver, and its main source is the placenta.

There is a higher concentration of GGTP in the biochemical analysis of blood taken from black people.

Obesity also affects the production of enzymes, and leads to an increased concentration of GGT in the blood.

In the table of GGT norms, an increased level of protein concentration in the blood in men over the age of 12 years is clearly seen compared to women of the same age group. Such a gap is due to the fact that a certain amount of the enzyme accumulates in the prostate gland. This helps to diagnose prostatitis and other diseases of this gland, since in this case the biochemistry shows a sharp jump in the concentration of GGT.

Regular physical activity, as well as a strict diet that excludes the use of meat and dairy products, will reduce the content of GGT in a natural way, without the use of drugs.

Determining the level of the enzyme gamma glutamyltransferase in the blood has recently been widely used in the diagnosis of pathologies of the liver and pancreas. However, despite the huge role of gamma glutamyltransferases in the diagnosis of diseases, practically nothing is known about it to a wide audience. In this article, we will look at what to do if gamma gamma is elevated, the reasons for the increase, and how it is determined.

What is GGT

Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a protein-based enzyme that is a specific catalyst for biochemical reactions occurring inside cells. Its second name is gamma glutamyl transpeptidase. It is found in large quantities in the functional cells of all parenchymal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, prostate, spleen and other organs). In a healthy person, this enzyme is practically not detected in the blood. This is because it is involved almost completely in the process of cell renewal.

It was found that the determination of the increase in the level of this enzyme in the blood most reliably indicates the destruction of the cells of the above organs in comparison with the traditional measurement of the level of ALT (a lanine aminotransferase) and AST (a spartate aminotransferase) in a biochemical blood test. In clinical practice, a test to determine the concentration of GGT in the blood was included in the list of mandatory liver tests. Since this test turned out to be the most sensitive to situations where there is stagnation of bile in the liver. Moreover, an increase in gamma HT in the blood is characteristic already in the early stages of the disease. An increase in the concentration of the enzyme is especially indicative of alcoholic liver damage.

If gamma GT is determined in the blood in large quantities, this indicates a rapidly ongoing process of cell destruction in the body and a massive release of this enzyme into the blood plasma.

Gamma GT enzyme is considered the main marker of liver and pancreas cell destruction, since these cells contain it in the greatest amount. Therefore, patients with suspected dysfunction of these organs are referred for GGT testing.

These suspicions arise when the patient has complaints:

• on a feeling of fullness and pain in the right hypochondrium;
• a decrease or lack of appetite;
• yellowness of the skin;
• severe general weakness;
• increased fatigue;
• the presence of nausea and vomiting.

Where is produced

Gamma HT is produced in almost all cells of parenchymal organs, especially in cells with high adsorption (capable of increasing the concentration of a substance) and secretory function. The highest concentration of the GGT enzyme was found in kidney cells (700 times higher than its content in blood plasma). There it breaks down and is then excreted in the urine. A little of it is contained in the cells of the liver and pancreas (200-500 more than in blood plasma).

Also, the presence of enzyme production is noted:

• in the cells of the intestine;
• in the cells of the spleen;
• in the cells of the heart muscle;
• in the medulla;
• in striated muscle cells;
• in the prostate.

A feature of this enzyme is its ability to act not inside cell membranes, but on their surface. Therefore, as soon as inflammatory processes begin in the tissues of the organs, it immediately enters the blood plasma.

Functions

The main function of the gamma GT enzyme is participation in protein metabolism (catalyst for the transfer of the gamma-glutamyl peptide of the gamma-glutamyl residue). It accelerates the process of transfer and exchange of amino acid compounds in the membranes of body cells.

Functions of GGT:

• participates in the processes of amino acid metabolism (regulates the transport of amino acids through the cell membrane);
• it is a catalyst for gamma glutamine peptide, regulates the production of the amino acid glutamine;
• takes part in the inactivation of exotoxins and endotoxins (toxic substances formed in the body);
• participates in hormonal metabolism;
• participates in the process of building cell membranes.

What does it affect

Since gamma glutamyl transpeptidase is involved in many vital metabolic processes in the human body, this enzyme affects almost all of its organs and tissues.

Enzyme effects:

• affects metabolic processes in the cells of the nervous system;
• has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect;
• participates in the neutralization of toxic substances;
• actively participates in the construction of cell membranes;
• affects the sensitivity of cell membranes and insulin;
• regulates the growth of connective tissue cells;
• participates in the implementation of the filtration function of the renal epithelium.

How is it determined in the blood

Determine the activity of glutamate transferases in blood serum. For analysis, capillary or venous blood is taken. It is taken from the patient in the morning, always on an empty stomach. Before donating blood for analysis, it is forbidden not only to eat, but also to drink. This is due to the fact that all enzymes in the process of digestion increase activity.

Preparation for the study:

• exclude the intake of foods high in fat and fried three days before the study;
• the last meal should be at least 12 hours before;
• exclusion of physical labor on the eve of the study;
• eliminate stress and neuropsychic overstrain;
• do not smoke before donating blood for analysis;
• if possible, you should refrain from taking medications, and also tell the doctor what medications you are taking;
• conducting other studies (CT, MRI and others) and physiotherapy on this day is not recommended.

The principle of the method for determining the activity of the enzyme is the photometric detection of the concentration of nitroaniline formed upon interaction with a special protein under the action of gamma GT. Its activity is determined in international units (U/L).

The temperature at which the test reaction took place is also very important; it must be indicated on the analysis form before the result. This is done so that there is no error in the calculations, and the normal value is not mistaken for pathology. The results of the reaction carried out at different temperatures may differ significantly. In order to make calculations, laboratory assistants use a special coefficient. That is why the patient himself should not try to decipher the results of the analysis.

Deciphering the results

This study has its own specific challenges.

Definition glutamyltranspeptidase prescribed in such cases:

• confirmation of the presence of diseases of the liver or its ducts;
• suspicion of cholelithiasis with blockage of the ducts;
• in the treatment of alcoholism, monitor the effectiveness of therapy;
• diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis;
• identification of sclerosing cholangitis;
• identifying the causes of an increase in alkaline phosphatase;
• control of the level of gamma HT in diseases with its increase.

Interpretation of the results of the analysis of the level in the blood plasma of gamma HT is performed only by a certified laboratory doctor. And it must be clarified that the results depend on the reagents used.

Values ​​may vary between analyzes performed in different laboratories. It is customary to single out the result that goes beyond the limits of the physiological norm in some way and indicate the limits of the physiological norm in brackets. The doctor may prescribe additional examinations to clarify the diagnosis if the indicators do not fit into the clinical picture.

Norms

The norms of gamma HT in men and women are different, in men they are always higher than in women. They also depend on age.

Normal gamma GT values ​​are presented in the table:

High rates of the GGT enzyme in newborns are due to the fact that it entered the baby's blood from the placenta during fetal development.

During pregnancy in women, the norms change in each trimester.

Deviations

Deviations from the norm of the results of the study in the blood test should be evaluated only by the attending physician in conjunction with the clinical picture of the disease. They can be either up or down. A decrease in the content of the GGTP enzyme in the blood plasma is detected very rarely. An upward deviation is found much more frequently.

• decreased production of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism);
• cirrhosis of the liver in the stage of decompensation;
• the use of certain types of medications in the treatment of chronic alcoholism;
• taking drugs that lower blood cholesterol levels.

Deviation from the norm in the absence of any pathology may be in the following cases of taking various medications.

These include:

• long-term use of multivitamins with a high content of vitamin C;
• taking paracetamol;
• taking aspirin;
• treatment with anticonvulsants;
• therapy with cytostatics;
• taking contraceptives;
• treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs;
• steroid use;
• taking antidepressants;
• the use of drugs for allergies and antibiotics.

Reasons for increasing GGT

Most often, the detection of indicators above the norm of GGTP may indicate the presence of liver disease. This is the main marker of damage to liver cells (hepatocytes).

Causes of an increase in the GGT enzyme due to liver pathology;

• pathological processes with an acute course that develop in the liver (hepatitis of various etiologies);
• chronic inflammatory processes in the liver tissue in the acute stage;
• liver diseases accompanied by cholestasis (liver stagnation), including cholelithiasis;
• infectious mononucleosis with liver damage;
• in 70% of patients with alcoholic liver disease, the level of GGTP increases;
• liver cirrhosis compensated;
• toxic liver damage;
• metastases of various tumors in the liver;
• cicatricial changes in the bile ducts;
• radiation effects on liver cells;
• oncological diseases of the liver.

In addition to liver damage, an increase in the level of GGT can provide pathological processes in other organs.

Extrahepatic causes of increased GGT:

• kidney failure;
• myocardial infarction (the level of the enzyme rises by the third day of illness);
• heart failure;
• diabetes;
• pancreatitis;
• cancer of the head of the pancreas;
• stomach cancer that compresses the head of the pancreas;
• hyperthyroidism;
• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• oncological tumors of the prostate;
• obesity.

It can be concluded that GGTP is not an indicator of any specific disease. To establish the final diagnosis, the patient must undergo an additional examination.

What to do when leveling up

When an increase in the concentration of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase is detected, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease. The patient should be aware that no matter how much he wants to lower the GGT level on his own, it is impossible to do this without contacting a doctor, especially if there is a suspicion of pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, myocardial infarction, severe kidney disease, cancer. In many pathologies where gamma HT is detected, doctors immediately offer the patient hospitalization. In some cases, even surgery is necessary.

On their own, the patient can reduce the level of this enzyme if the following are responsible for its rise:

• excess weight;
• irrational nutrition;
• significant physical activity;
• abuse of drugs to increase potency;
• taking oral contraceptives;
• alcohol abuse.

If an increase in GGT is combined with an increase in ALT and other transferases, then the patient most likely has liver disease. The patient is prescribed a therapeutic diet to normalize the metabolism in the cells of the body. It implies the rejection of fried, fatty foods and spicy foods. Drinking alcohol should be avoided altogether.

The diet is designed to reduce the negative effects of fatty foods on the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder. In addition, the patient is prescribed medications to correct the work of hepatocytes.

Video

From this video you will learn what to do if GGT is elevated, the reasons for this, and how the treatment is carried out.

To assess the general health of the patient, doctors prescribe a biochemical blood test. In particular, a test for gamma-glutamyl transferase. The analysis is most often used for complex diagnostics. However, there are cases when it is possible to detect the presence of pathology only with the help of such a test. If gamma-HT is elevated, the doctor determines the cause of such an indicator in a woman, and then prescribes the appropriate therapy.

Causes of increased 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, gamma-glutamyl transferase in the blood is practically absent. Normal enzyme levels vary by both gender and age. At the same time, an overestimated level in the analyzes is always a sign of pathology.

When is a GGT test done?

An analysis for gamma-glutamyltransferase is prescribed as part of a comprehensive blood test. The most informative test will be in such cases:

• cancer monitoring;
• detection of liver diseases;
• control of treatment of pathologies of the hepatobiliary system;
• identifying the causes of an increase in alkaline phosphatase.

Also, a test for gamma-HT as one of the elements of a general analysis can also be carried out in order to determine pathologies not related to liver function.

Normal gamma-HT levels in women

Deciphering the results of the tests should only be a doctor. You can’t independently draw conclusions about the state of your health, because only a medical specialist has information about all the nuances of possible diseases. The result of the test is evaluated comprehensively, taking into account the history and age of the patient. On average, normal indicators are as follows:

• 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-HT index also increases during the period of bearing a child, which also needs to be taken into account. Chronic processes during pregnancy can be exacerbated, so the norms for women in position are different:

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

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

Increased gamma-HT in a woman - what does it mean

There are many reasons why the level of gamma-glutamyl transferase in the body can increase. The indicator may indicate the presence of such conditions:

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

The intake of certain pharmacological compounds can also affect the GGT index in the body.

Treatment for elevated levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase

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 the hospitalization of the patient, and sometimes even surgery may be necessary.

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

If an increase in gamma-HT 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 the processes of cellular metabolism and implies the rejection of:

• fried;
• acute;
• fatty;
• alcohol.

If the cause of the increased gamma-HT rate lies in excess weight, improper diet, excessive physical activity, oral contraceptives, alcohol abuse, then you can lower the level yourself. The 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.

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

Gamma-GT (gamma-glutamyltransferase)- an enzyme found mainly in the cells of the liver and pancreas. The change in the activity of this enzyme in the blood serum is of great importance for the diagnosis of diseases of the liver and biliary tract, since it is more sensitive to pathological processes in liver cells than ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase.

Raise gamma-HT is observed in viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer. Violation of the outflow of bile through the biliary tract, due to blockage of the bile ducts by a stone, their compression by a tumor, enlarged lymph nodes, etc., lead to an increase in the level of gamma-HT. With prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption, the activity of this enzyme increases many times over. At the same time, the cessation of alcohol consumption after 10 days leads to a decrease in this indicator by 50%, which allows you to control the treatment of alcoholism.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase- an enzyme (protein) of the liver and pancreas, the activity of which in the blood increases with liver diseases and alcohol abuse.

Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase is an enzyme that is found in the kidneys (7,000 times higher than in serum), liver (normally 200-500 times higher than in serum) and pancreas. It is not contained in the bloodstream, only in the cells, during the destruction of which their contents enter the bloodstream. Normally, some of the cells are renewed, so a certain GGT activity is detected in the blood. If many cells die, its activity can increase significantly.

Minor GGT activity is also recorded in the intestines, brain, heart, spleen, prostate, and skeletal muscles. In the cell, the enzyme is localized in the membrane, lysosomes, and cytoplasm, and membrane localization of GGT is characteristic of cells with high secretory, excretory, or (re)absorption capacity.

GGT test- the most sensitive analysis in relation to stagnation of bile - cholestasis. The activity of GGT when obstructing the outflow of bile, for example, with stones in the bile ducts, increases earlier than the activity of alkaline phosphatase. However, this increase is not specific, as it occurs in most acute diseases of the liver and bile ducts, such as acute viral hepatitis or cancer, and usually this result is not very informative in establishing the specific disease or condition that caused liver damage. Unlike other liver enzymes, the production of GGT is "triggered" by alcohol, so alcohol abusers can have elevated activity even in the absence of liver disease.

Indications for the appointment of the study

Study preparation

Special preparation for the study is not required. It is necessary to follow the general requirements for preparing for research.

GENERAL RULES OF PREPARATION FOR RESEARCH:

1. For most studies, it is recommended to donate blood in the morning, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours should elapse between the last meal and blood sampling, you can drink water as usual), on the eve of the study, a light dinner with a restriction eating fatty foods. For infection tests and emergency investigations, it is acceptable to donate blood 4-6 hours after the last meal.

2. ATTENTION! Special preparation rules for a number of tests: strictly on an empty stomach, after 12-14 hours of fasting, you should donate blood for gastrin-17, lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a), apolipo-proten A1, apolipoprotein B); a glucose tolerance test is performed in the morning on an empty stomach after 12-16 hours of fasting.

3. On the eve of the study (within 24 hours), exclude alcohol, intense physical activity, medication (as agreed with the doctor).

4. 1-2 hours before donating blood, refrain from smoking, do not drink juice, tea, coffee, you can drink non-carbonated water. Eliminate physical stress (running, fast climbing stairs), emotional arousal. It is recommended to rest and calm down 15 minutes before donating blood.

5. You should not donate blood for laboratory testing immediately after physiotherapy procedures, instrumental examinations, X-ray and ultrasound examinations, massage and other medical procedures.

6. When monitoring laboratory parameters in dynamics, it is recommended to conduct repeated studies under the same conditions - in the same laboratory, donate blood at the same time of day, etc.

7. Blood for research should be donated before the start of taking medications or no earlier than 10-14 days after they are discontinued. To evaluate the control of the effectiveness of treatment with any drugs, it is necessary to conduct a study 7-14 days after the last dose of the drug.

If you are taking medication, be sure to tell your doctor about it.

One of them is a test for gamma-glutamyl transferase, or gamma GT. This type of analysis can also be referred to as GGT, and also be called a test for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase.

Most often, this type of analysis for assessing the state of health or diagnosing a disease is used in combination with other types of samples 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 the test results.

Gamma GT: Enzyme Description and Diagnosis

GGT: meaning, purpose, preparation and analysis procedure

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

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

For analysis, blood is taken from a vein, blood serum is examined. The test 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 observed.

Before conducting a blood test, you must refuse to eat for at least half a day. You will have to refrain from smoking for an hour before the analysis. 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: features of development and methods of treatment.

Assign such an analysis in the following cases:

• To determine the state and level of liver damage.
• Tracking the development of liver, pancreas and prostate cancer.
• Identification of alcoholism and monitoring the effect of treatment on chronic alcoholics.
• Evaluation of the dangerous effects of drugs on the state of the liver.

The presence of various disorders in the work of internal organs is indicated by the result of the analysis, in which gamma HT is increased.

Decryption: norm

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.

Causes of 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 another alcoholic beverage, after some time, gamma HT values ​​decrease to normal, while 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 chronic alcoholic.

A constant decrease in indicators and their stabilization at a normal level indicates that the treatment is working effectively and the person is recovering. An analysis for GGT 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 levels of gamma HT indicate the presence of the following diseases:

• Pancreatic lesions. This may be diabetes mellitus, acute or chronic pancreatitis, accompanied by various adverse conditions, such as the formation of a cyst or other benign tumor. Very high numbers of GGT excess 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 impossibility of transporting bile. Metastases to the liver from other organs in cancerous lesions (most often in oncological diseases of the breast and lungs). Primary sclerosing cholangitis is an autoimmune disease associated with obstruction of the bile ducts.
• Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral disease, accompanied by high fever, 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.
• An 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.
• An overactive thyroid gland is called hyperthyroidism.

In addition to diseases, certain drugs can affect high levels of GGT, for example, ascorbic acid, aspirin, barbiturates, antibiotics, antidepressants, hormonal drugs, antifungal agents, and much more.

The analysis for gamma HT is not always informative enough to accurately determine the existing disease only on this one sample. Usually it becomes part of a comprehensive diagnosis of diseases.

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Analysis of gamma-HT in the diagnosis of liver diseases

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is found in the highest amounts in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and intestines. The enzyme is located in the cell membrane. The study of gamma-HT allows you to evaluate diseases of the liver and biliary tract. In about 70% of cases, the results of the analysis make it possible to identify chronic alcoholism, as well as to monitor compliance with abstinence in alcoholics during therapy. Its amount in cells can increase under the influence of various drugs (phenytoin, barbiturates, estrogens) and alcohol (especially consumed regularly). Under the influence of these substances, the amount of gamma-HT influx from cells into the blood may increase. Sometimes the activity of these enzymes in the blood can increase without any provoking reasons. The most common source of an increase in the amount of this enzyme in the blood is the liver.

Biochemical analysis

The concentration of gamma-HT informs us about the state of the liver, kidneys, pancreas and prostate. Let's find out what GGT norms are.

Biochemical analysis of GGT is carried out in the diagnosis of diseases of the liver and biliary tract. The results of the study depend on several factors. Consider the values ​​of norm and deviation.

The norm for women is U / l, and for men U / l. Elevated values ​​of the GGT level - from 120 to 1000 U / l.

If test results are abnormal

It should be noted that the ranges of values ​​taken as the norm for GGT in different laboratories and different sources of literature can vary very significantly, even several times. In this regard, it is necessary to compare your own result with the standards of the laboratory in which you donated blood for analysis. Gamma-HT increases in the blood in diseases of various organs and systems: the liver, kidneys, lungs and pancreas.

Liver disease

An increase in the activity of this enzyme can lead to a wide range of liver diseases. These include:

1. Alcoholic liver disease. An increase in the level of the enzyme is observed, gamma-HT is increased 10 times from the upper limit of the norm. The cessation of alcohol intake does not entail an automatic and rapid drop in the level of the substance. It takes about 4 weeks for the enzyme levels to drop back into the normal range.

2. Blocking the secretion of bile or bile duct (cholestasis). Also in this case, the increase in gamma-HT activity dominates among the biochemical changes (especially in extrahepatic cholestasis). Perhaps even more than 10 times it can exceed the norm. Bile is produced by the liver cells and enters first into the gallbladder and then into the intestines. Blocking its outflow (or secretion by cells) can have various reasons:

• disease of the digestive organ;
• cholelithiasis;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• gallbladder disease;
• the use of certain drugs;
• tumors;
• cysts;
• infections.

A typical symptom of cholestasis is a significant increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP) in the blood, as well as the concentration of bilirubin.

3. Non-alcoholic steatosis of the liver. In this case, as a rule, the growth of gamma-HT is relatively milder (2-3 times the upper limits of the norm). The most vulnerable are people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia. This can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.

4. Hepatitis C is most often manifested through viruses: HAV, HBV, HCV. The amount of gamma-HT in the blood serum may increase with inflammation of the liver. However, in acute hepatitis, first of all, a large increase in aminotransferase activity is observed.

5. Cirrhosis of the liver. In addition to an increase in gamma-HT activity, this disease can be manifested by elevated levels of ammonia, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, sometimes increased prothrombin and reduced albumin levels. It is worth remembering that in the case of cirrhosis, the activity of aminotransferases is often within the normal range.

6. Liver tumors can cause a significant (several times the upper limit of normal) increase in gamma-HT activity. Activation of this enzyme in the blood can cause primary liver cancer and metastases of this organ from tumors located elsewhere.

Other Factors Affecting GGT

Inflammation of the pancreas and pancreatic cancer increase GGT levels.

Many drugs can cause an increase in serum gamma-HT activity even in the absence of evidence of damage to any of the organs. These include phenobarbital, phenytoin, warfarin, estrogens. Alcohol can have a similar effect.

Gamma-HT testing is usually performed on an empty stomach in the morning, meaning the patient should not eat anything for eight hours prior to the test. For analysis, blood is taken from a finger or cubital vein.

Always tell your doctor about all medications or dietary supplements you are taking before getting tested.

Gamma GT increased: causes of an increase in the level of the enzyme.

To determine whether a person is healthy or to identify the type of disease, various blood tests are used, among which a test for gamma HT or glutamyl transpeptidase is isolated.

Such a study is used to identify chronic alcoholism or other health problems in conjunction with similar studies. When conducting a study, the volume of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is calculated. This substance is an enzyme produced in the liver and bile ducts. Its main role in the functioning of internal systems is the stimulation of certain biochemical processes.

Reasons for the increase in gamma HT levels

The reasons for the increase in the GGT enzyme in the body are disturbances in the functioning of the internal organs of a person. However, in order to more accurately identify the results of the study, the patient should first prepare before taking the analysis in order to avoid false results. This is especially true for drinking alcohol before donating blood for research.

GGT is an enzyme by which chronic alcoholism can be determined. For this, a blood test for this enzyme is carried out several times. The level of the enzyme with a one-time use of alcohol eventually returns to normal.

In addition to alcoholism, a change in the concentration of gamma HT in venous blood is caused by such diseases as:

• diabetes;
• myocardial infarction;
• Infectious mononucleosis;
• lupus erythematosus;
• acute or chronic pancreatitis;
• pancreas cancer;
• Botkin's disease;
• hepatitis B and C;
• cholecystitis;
• hyperthyroidism;
• stones in the gallbladder and its ducts;
• cirrhosis;
• cholelithiasis;
• tumors in the liver;
• mechanical jaundice;
• sclerotizing cholangitis;
• prostate cancer;
• pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis;
• kidney tumors;
• heart failure.

In addition, the cause of an increase in the content of GGT in the blood can be the intake of:

• ascorbic acid;
• aspirin;
• barbiturates;
• antibiotics;
• antidepressants;
• some hormonal drugs;
• antifungal agents.

Conducting a study to determine the concentration of HT is not always sufficiently accurate and reliable to determine the signs of an existing disease in a person.

Enzyme rate

GGT or gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is a special enzyme used to stimulate certain biochemical processes. And the enzyme penetrates the blood when the liver cells are destroyed, for this reason its concentration in the blood plasma often changes, but always within the normal range. In pathological diseases, the cells of the internal organs begin to break down several times faster, which leads to an increase in the concentration of the enzyme in the blood. Thus, doctors can diagnose some serious diseases.

To study the blood for the concentration of TSH, venous blood is taken, after which a study of its serum is carried out. Blood is given for research on an empty stomach in the morning. In this case, you can not take any food and even drink water. Refuse food should be at least 12 hours.

You should also refrain from smoking at least an hour before the blood test, and one day before the test, you must give up alcohol. It should not be consumed even in a minimal amount, since even a small amount of alcohol can affect the production of the enzyme. It is also necessary to remain calm and not be stressed.

Research on GGT is carried out for:

• determining the state of the liver;
• diagnosing liver cancer;
• treatment or detection of alcoholism, as well as its treatment;
• detection of pancreatic cancer;
• assessment of the dynamics of treatment of certain diseases;
• identifying the danger of the effects of drugs on the liver;
• calculation of oncological diseases of the prostate.

In order to detect diseases in a timely manner, it is necessary to know the normal values ​​of gamma HT, but it should be borne in mind that different laboratories have their own standards, which may differ from others by several times. For this reason, when taking tests, the results of the study should be interpreted on the basis of the standards adopted in the laboratory where the blood was donated.

GGT concentration in children

In children, the concentration of gamma HT in the blood depends on age. In newborn babies, the concentration of the enzyme in the blood can be up to 151 IU / l; in premature babies, this figure is even higher, but it is not considered a deviation. Every day the concentration of GGT increases. So in an infant up to 5 days old, the level of the enzyme rises to 185 IU / l.

Between the ages of 6 days and up to six months, the enzyme level continues to rise and can reach 204 IU/L. After this age, there is a sharp decrease in the concentration of the enzyme, and in children from one to three years old, the level of the enzyme in the venous blood can reach 34 IU / l. Up to three years, the level of GGT drops to 18 units / l.

From 4 to 6 years, the concentration of the enzyme reaches 23 units / l. In adolescents from 7 to 12 years old, the minimum concentration of the enzyme in the blood is observed - up to 17 IU / l. After this age, the concentration of the enzyme in the blood of boys and girls begins to differ.

So in young people from 13 to 17 years old, the level of enzyme concentration in venous blood can reach 45 U / l. In girls of the same age, the upper limit of the result is lower and reaches 33 U / l. This effect is achieved in adolescents due to the development of the prostate gland in boys and the strengthening of its work. This also increases the production of the enzyme.

Enzyme level in men

When using other number systems, the concentration can reach from 18 to 100 U / l. Throughout a man's life, the concentration of GGT in his blood is stable. Elevated levels of the enzyme in the blood are considered results from 120 to 1000 U / l.

Normal values ​​in women

In women, unlike men, the concentration of GGT in the blood is lower due to the absence of the prostate gland, which is also responsible for the production of the enzyme. Therefore, the normal level of the substance is from 6 to 32 IU / l. When using other measures of enzyme volume, a concentration of 10 to 66 U / l is also considered a normal indicator.

If the results of the analysis deviate from the norm, the doctor may suspect diseases of various systems of internal organs. These can be pathologies of the kidneys, liver, pancreas, lungs. Depending on the location of the damage, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment or other tests to establish a more accurate diagnosis.

Increased GGT in liver disease

In liver diseases, the concentration of the GGT enzyme in the blood can be significantly increased, while the disease itself, which led to an increase in the production of the enzyme, is ambiguous. Quite often, the cause of this phenomenon is alcoholic liver disease. During its course, one can note an increase in the concentration of GGT in the blood 10 times the upper limit. But, even with a sharp cessation of alcohol consumption, it is also not possible to sharply reduce the concentration of the enzyme in the blood. To normalize its production, it will take at least 4 weeks of avoiding alcohol.

With an increase in the concentration of the enzyme in the blood, caused by blocking the secretion of the bile stream, the same increase in GGT can be observed. There are several reasons for this phenomenon. This may be a blockage of the outflow of bile due to diseases of the digestive systems, cirrhosis of the liver, diseases of the gallbladder, tumors, infectious diseases, gallstone disease, the use of certain medications. In addition, an increase in blood bilirubin and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity may indicate a similar problem.

14 years of experience in the clinical diagnostic service.

Leave a comment or question

The high pressure is maintained, Gamma GT 141, AlAt-54, coefficient was analyzed. atorogenicity -5.3 fibrinogen -4.3 calcium -2.58. Tell me what to do next?

It would be advisable to conduct a study of thyroid hormones.

Reduced thyroid function in the vast majority of cases leads to pathological changes in the cardiovascular system, which may come to the fore in the clinical picture.

Hypothyroidism is a common cause of atherogenic dyslipidemia.

Has made the analysis "Liver tests" -Gamma-GT-184. I read the information about this indicator. Panic! Tell me what to do next?

Usually, the appointment is made by a doctor. It is advisable to start with personal consultations with a specialist. He determines the symptoms, collects an anamnesis and makes appointments for research.

As for the analysis for Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, it is not worth drawing conclusions based on one indicator. Yes, it is above the norm, but the digestive system needs to be examined more specifically. Then some conclusions will appear.

Contact your doctor.

g-gt over 2000 units / l. What can it say?

If the result is performed correctly, then we can talk about serious pathologies. Such as hepatic cholestasis, acute, viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, acute or chronic pancreatitis, alcoholism, kidney pathology, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer.

We need additional studies of ultrasound of the liver and pancreas, a personal examination of the doctor.

Go see a hepatologist.

G-GT 68 IU/l, nausea, pain in the right hypochondrium, liver is compromised, suffered hepatitis in severe form (a) at the age of 16. Stones in the gallbladder, bend it. HF is normal. Bought a heptor. For a long time she drank cardiomagnyl, excedrin for headaches, she had a history of pulmonary embolism. Sugar 6, 7

I will say the obvious thing: you need to go to a hepatologist. in person and as soon as possible.

Almost all of these symptoms can affect the increase in the level of the enzyme. It would be wiser to go by the method of exclusion, conducting a differential diagnosis. Most likely - cholestasis, but you need to establish the cause of its appearance. Also, exclude (confirm) diabetes mellitus, chronic hepatitis, acute and chronic pancreatitis, oncological diseases.

Also, check your thyroid hormones.

GGT in the blood is increased: causes, treatment, diet

An increase in GGT can be observed with diseases of the internal organs, alcohol intake or medications. Outwardly, this condition may be accompanied by certain symptoms. 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 stools may be noted.

Increased GGT in the blood: what are the reasons

A change in the level of gamma-glutamyl transferase may be temporary and return to normal (table with norms) after the causes of such changes are eliminated. 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 a violation of the outflow of bile and an increase in 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 prolonged use of alcohol, the level of GGT is increased dramatically (the ratio of gamma-glutamyltransferase to AST is about 6). The content 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)

Since an increased level of GGT in the blood does not allow an accurate diagnosis of the disease and can be caused by other reasons, the doctor prescribes an additional examination of the liver.

• drinking large amounts of alcohol;
• taking drugs;
• diabetes
• inflammatory processes in the digestive tract;
• large overweight;
• increased levels of triglycerides;
• taking certain medications.

GGT in a biochemical blood test exceeds 100, ALT is less than 80 and alkaline phosphatase is 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 the outflow of bile due to stones in the gallbladder or compression of the bile ducts by neoplasms;
• other reasons.

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

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

The GGT index is increased to 100, ALT exceeds 80 and ALP is over 200. This means that the outflow of bile is difficult, and the 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, an additional examination and internal consultation with a doctor is necessary!

The GGT indicator in a biochemical blood test diagnoses bile stasis. This is a very sensitive marker in cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts) and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) - it rises earlier than other liver enzymes (ALT, ACT). 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 an increased level of GGT begins with a diagnosis of the state of the body and identification of the exact cause of the increase in this enzyme. Treatment of diseases due to which gamma-glutamyl transferase has increased can reduce its level.

You must stop smoking and drinking alcohol. To get rid of these habits, WHO recommendations on how to quit smoking and how to quit drinking will help. It will also lower the elevated GGT.

More on this topic

Other analysis indicators:

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GGT in a biochemical blood test

Gamma glutamyl transferase, or GGT for short, has gained popularity in recent years in the diagnosis of diseases such as jaundice, cholangitis, and cholecystitis. According to the reliability of the diagnostic results, GGT is preferable to indicators of such enzymes as ALT and AST.

Given the functional importance of the liver, without a clear work of which, the body remains virtually without protection in case of failures in its work. And in recent years, it turned out that the sensitivity to slowing down the movement of bile in the liver itself, as well as in the bile ducts, is higher precisely in GGT.

For this reason, GGT testing has been included in the mandatory liver test kit. By the way, chronic alcoholism is also determined using the same test.

What is GGT in a blood test

In the cells of the intestine, brain, heart, spleen and prostate, there is little activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (abbreviated as GGTP or GGT). In a healthy person, GGT is found in the blood cells in a minimal amount, this is due to the normal process of cell renewal in the body. However, an increase in the amount of this enzyme in the bloodstream is always associated with pathological processes and indicates the destruction of the cells in which it is contained.

Given the high concentration of GGT in the tissue of the kidneys, liver and pancreas, it is considered a sensitive marker of diseases of these organs. Gamma glutamyltransferase reacts most rapidly and vividly to damage to the hepatobiliary system.

GGT functions

Gamma glutamyl transferase is involved in the processes:

• amino acid metabolism;
• metabolism of inflammatory mediators.

Although the concentrations of GGT in the renal epithelium are higher than in the liver, serum concentrations (determined in the blood) are predominantly of hepatic origin. Most of the GGT destroyed in the kidneys is excreted in the urine.

In what cases is an analysis for GGTP prescribed?

The study of the indicators of this enzyme in serum is informative when:

• alcoholism monitoring;
• diagnosis of diseases of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts;
• monitoring of malignant tumors, their relapses and the spread of metastases;
• diagnosing the causes of an increase in alkaline phosphatase;
• monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of diseases of the hepatobiliary system;
• the appearance of complaints indicating damage to the liver, gallbladder or ducts (darkening of urine, lightening of feces, itching of the skin, jaundice, etc.);
• diagnosis of extrahepatic pathologies, in combination with other studies.

Reasons for increasing GGT in the blood

With severe bile stasis (cholestasis), the level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase begins to increase earlier than alkaline phosphatase. However, when interpreting the analyzes, it must be taken into account that GGT can react sharply to any diseases of the hepatobiliary system. Therefore, an increase in GGT must always be correlated with the activity of ALT and AST.

In jaundice, the ratio of GGT to ALT is a direct indicator of an increase in bile stasis relative to the destruction of cellular structures.

The degree of increase in gamma glutamyl transferase will be directly dependent on the dose and frequency of drinking alcohol. Therefore, GGT is often used in the control of alcohol withdrawal.

In addition to liver damage by alcohol, this enzyme also responds to the development of drug-induced hepatitis when taking hepatotoxic drugs (tetracyclines, sulfonamides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, etc.).

The next reason for the increase in GGT are primary malignant tumors of the hepatobiliary system or liver metastases. Benign neoplasms, as a rule, do not give such changes in the analyzes, since their growth is not accompanied by the destruction of healthy tissue and severe intoxication. The exception is tumors that lead to obstruction (blockage) of the bile ducts and contribute to the development of obstructive jaundice.

Among other "biliary" reasons for the growth of gamma HT in the analyzes, cholelithiasis, acute and chronic cholecystitis are distinguished.

Also, gamma glutamyltransferase reacts to pancreatic and prostate cancer.

In addition to toxic (drug, alcohol) liver damage and malignant tumors, GGT increases with:

• acute and chronic viral hepatitis;
• hepatitis of non-infectious nature;
• infectious mononucleosis;
• fatty hepatosis;
• cirrhosis;
• severe poisoning.

In addition to diseases of the hepatobiliary system, GGT can increase with damage to other organs and the use of certain medications, in particular, this enzyme is increased with:

• myocardial infarction (here the cause is not only myocardial damage, but also the process of activation of regenerative processes occurring in the heart muscle and hepatic parenchyma, in this regard, the maximum increase in GGT occurs in the third week after a heart attack);
• kidney damage (chronic glomerulonephritis and amyloidosis);
• taking antiepileptic and anti-tuberculosis drugs;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• hyperthyroidism;
• obesity
• diabetes.

GGT can decrease with hypothyroidism and prolonged use of large doses of ascorbic acid.

Analysis for gamma gtr

It is necessary to take an analysis on an empty stomach. It is important to remember that the enzyme is very sensitive to the use of alcohol.

Gamma glutamyl transferase values

It must be remembered that in children under six months of age, normal levels of the enzyme are 2 to 4 times higher than in adults. This is due to the peculiarities of metabolism. There are also differences between men and women.

Normal indicators in units / l are levels up to:

• 185 for babies in the first five days of life;
• 204 from 5 days to 6 months;
• 34th from six months to a year;
• 18 years from one to three years;
• 23rd from three to six years;
• 17 from 6 to 12 years old;
• 33rd (for women) from 12 to 17 years old;
• 45 (for men) from 12 to 17 years old.

The norm of gamma glutamyltransferase for women over 17 years of age ranges from six to 42.

Please note that reference values ​​(i.e. average values) may vary from laboratory to laboratory. This does not mean that the difference will be cardinal. But, depending on the equipment used, there may be differences. In any case, if there are problems, the result that does not fall within the norm will be highlighted in red.

GGTP increased. Treatment

In fact, there is no general cure. It is important to understand that an increase in gamma glutamyl transferase is not an independent disease. This is a sensitive marker of the pathological process in the body. Given the variety of reasons for its increase, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination and identify the cause of the increase in GGT.

General recommendations for reducing gamma-glutamyltransferase if they are caused by liver damage include avoiding alcohol and smoking. As well as adherence to a diet that excludes the use of fried, fatty and spicy foods. If necessary, a course of hepatoprotective drugs is prescribed.