Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found in the kidney, liver, spleen, bile and pancreas. It provides information about liver health. The GGT enzyme is often examined in blood tests, especially in tests of liver function. Although it is usually associated with the liver, it can also be seen in the gallbladder and pancreas organs. The increase in GGT enzyme in the blood, which should be present in small amounts in the blood of healthy people, is one of the subjects investigated.
GGT may also be present in other organs, albeit to a lesser extent. There are many types of enzymes in the human body. These enzymes help maintain the body's functions and natural progress. GGT, which constitutes one of the enzymes, is normally found inside cells. When cell damage occurs due to a cause, the enzyme may come out of the cell and increase the rate of enzyme in the blood.
Why is Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Test Performed?
The gamma glutamyl transferase test is one of a series of blood tests that are often performed to investigate diseases that can occur in the liver and bile. It is considered a sensitive measurement that enables the detection of bile disorders.
A number of liver-related problems can also cause an increase in the GGT enzyme. For this reason, elevated GGT is not considered a problem on its own. The answers about why the GGT test is performed are as follows:
- Detection of liver disorders
- Determination of biliary obstruction
- Why liver damage develops
- Research on alcohol consumption or addiction treatments
- Investigating some of the side effects of medicines
- Research on why problems such as loss of appetite, weakness, light stools, itchy skin, dark urine, stomach problems and vomiting occur
The GGT test is performed like a normal blood test and the level of many liver enzymes can be determined with the blood sample taken from the person.
What is the Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Value?
The value of the GGT enzyme in the blood may vary depending on the age and gender of the person. While there may also be differences in the reference range according to the procedures in the laboratory where the test is performed, the GGT value in adult women is reported as 0-45 and 0-65 U/L in men.
In healthy people, almost all of the enzyme is found inside the cell, so the absence of the enzyme in the blood is considered a normal and healthy condition. In some cases, the presence of a small amount of GGT enzyme in the blood, which the cells take into account by regenerating themselves, is also considered normal.
In cases that develop above the reference levels given above, the GGT enzyme should definitely be investigated.
What is Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Elevation?
In cases where it is above 45 for women and 65 for men, it is reported as GGT elevation. As there may be many reasons for these conditions, it is not possible to detect certain diseases by looking only at the GGT level.
Alcohol taken before the test may increase the GGT level. Therefore, alcohol should not be consumed 1 day before the test.
Although liver and bile problems are among the common causes of high GGT levels, some medications, excessive alcohol consumption or some diseases may cause changes in the enzyme level.
A detailed medical history is the first step in determining and evaluating the GGT level. Afterwards, it can be interpreted in terms of elevation by looking at the values of different liver enzymes.
Common causes ofelevated gamma glutamyl transferase are as follows:
- Alcohol use
- Liver infection
- Liver cancer
- Fatty liver disease
- Blockage of the bile ducts
- Pancreatic inflammation
- Diabetes
- Heart failure
- The yacht effect of some medicines used
How to Reduce Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Elevation?
First of all, the health problems that cause this value to rise should be determined and these problems should be eliminated. The results obtained in GGT elevation are not sufficient to determine the health problems carried by the person.
By looking at the levels of different liver enzymes, the individual's diseases and medications should be examined in detail.
In addition to blood tests, different urine tests, imaging methods such as ultrasound, MRI and CT, and imaging of the liver and bile are important in terms of determining possible diseases.
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Elevation Results
Conditions such as liver damage, fatty liver or stones in the gallbladder can be detected with a simple ultrasound scan. If necessary, further diagnostic tests such as a biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.
The level of the enzyme entering the bloodstream due to damage to the liver or gallbladder can be reduced by eliminating the damage to the organs. For this reason, the health problems that cause GGT elevation should be determined and the treatment process should be initiated with the improvement of these problems.
By eliminating the problems that cause increases in enzyme levels, levels of GGT and different enzymes can return to normal. If people who have a blood test see that the GGT level is high in the results, they should consult a doctor and get information about the causes of this situation. Early diagnosis and treatment of diseases can be done with the diagnosis and screening procedures that the doctor deems necessary.