Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]
Synonyms or Keywords: GGT; GGTP; gamma-GT; gamma-glutamyl transferase
Overview
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT or GGTP, or Gamma-GT) (EC 2.3.2.2) is primarily a liver enzyme.
Function
It is involved in the transfer of amino acids across the cellular membrane. It is also involved in glutathione metabolism by transferring the glutamyl moiety to a variety of acceptor molecules including water, certain L–amino acids and peptides. Leaving the cysteine product to preserve intracellular homeostasis of oxidative stress. [1][2]
| Reference Range | |
| Women | < 18 U/l |
| Men | < 28 U/l |
| Children Under 12 Months | < 91 U/l |
Location
GGT is found on the cell surface on all cells, with particularly high concentrations in the liver, bile ducts, and kidney.
The enzyme is also present in other tissues, such as the epididymis.
Clinical significance
Its level in the blood may be tested for, as an elevated level may indicate an abnormality in the liver, though this can be caused by a number of conditions including:
- congestive heart failure
- cholestasis (congestion of the bile ducts)
- cirrhosis of the liver
- Restricted blood flow to the liver
- restricted venous outflow from liver like Budd-Chiari syndrome
- Necrosis of the liver
- Liver tumors
- hepatitis
- hepatotoxic drugs
Its levels are increased in chronic and acute alcohol abuse.
Differential Diagnosis
In alphabetical order. [3] [4]
Increased
- Alcohol
- Brain tumor
- Ceftazidime
- Cholestasis
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Cirrhosis
- Congestive heart failure, particularly right sided heart failure, or “shock liver”
- Cytomegalovirus infections
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Disorders of the lipid metabolism
- Fatty liver
- Hepatic necrosis
- Hepatitis
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Hepatotoxic drugs
- Hyperthyroidism
- Infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr Virus)
- Inflammation
- Jaundice
- Myocardial Infarction
- Nephritis
- Obesity
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Pneumonia
- Porphyria
- Portal vein thrombosis
- Prostate cancer
- Ritonavir
- Restricted blood flow to the liver
- Restricted venous outflow from liver like Budd-Chiari syndrome
- Right ventricular failure causing hepatic congestion, also known as “shock liver”
References
- ↑ Nihon Arukoru Yakubutsu Igakkai Zasshi. 2007 Jun;42(3):110-24
- ↑ Schulman JD et al. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1975 Jul 8;65(1):68-74
- ↑ Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:77 ISBN 1591032016
- ↑ Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:68 ISBN 140510368X
Additional Resources
Acknowledgements
The content on this page was first contributed by Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [3]
List of contributors:
Suggested Reading and Key General References
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