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Blutwerte · Marker

GGT

Gamma-Glutamyltransferase · Gamma-GT · GGT

Leberwerte
Einheit:
IU/L

GGT quantifies the activity of the gamma-glutamyltransferase enzyme, which is involved in amino acid transfer and glutathione metabolism.

Reference Ranges

Reference
051IU/L
0
10
40
51
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · IU/L

Reference ranges can vary slightly by laboratory; sex-specific differences exist.

Overview

Übersicht

Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the gamma-glutamyl cycle, which is involved in the metabolism of glutathione and the transfer of amino acids across the cellular membrane. It is predominantly found in the liver, kidney, and pancreas. Clinically, GGT is an important biomarker for liver function, particularly in diagnosing and monitoring liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and bile duct obstructions. Elevated GGT levels are often associated with liver damage or bile duct issues, and it is commonly used alongside other liver enzymes to assess liver health. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, GGT may be monitored to ensure liver health, as liver function is critical for detoxification and metabolic processes that can impact overall performance and recovery. However, GGT levels can be influenced by various factors, including alcohol consumption, medications, and metabolic conditions, which may confound its interpretation. It is important to consider these factors when evaluating GGT levels, and fasting or time-of-day variations are generally not significant for this marker.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated GGT levels indicate potential liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or alcohol abuse. Lower levels are generally not clinically significant but may indicate reduced liver enzyme activity.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising GGT values suggest worsening liver function or increased alcohol intake. Re-test in 4-6 weeks if elevated.

Falling Values

Falling GGT values indicate improvement in liver function or reduction in alcohol consumption.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Liver disease
  • Bile duct obstruction
  • Certain medications
  • Heart failure
Cause

Low Levels

  • Not clinically significant
  • Reduced liver enzyme activity
  • Genetic factors
  • Nutritional deficiencies
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Reduce alcohol intake
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Engage in regular physical activity
Lever

Nutrition

  • Increase antioxidant-rich foods
  • Consume a balanced diet
  • Limit processed foods
Lever

Supplementation

  • Milk thistle
  • N-acetylcysteine

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes, especially if liver disease is suspected.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
Not Time-Sensitive

GGT levels may vary with diurnal rhythms; consistency in testing time is recommended.

Testing Frequency

Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if monitoring liver disease.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent alcohol consumption
  • Certain medications
  • Obesity

Related Peptides & Hormones

Glutathione

Correlated with

hormone or peptide

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that reference intervals for GGT may need reevaluation, particularly considering confounding factors like gender, age, and obesity. Researchers have not yet established optimal GGT thresholds for predicting outcomes in various populations, such as those with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the specific mechanisms by which GGT elevation correlates with disease severity and mortality across different liver and cardiac conditions.

22 Research Publications

1,073

Total Citations

7

Human/RCT

4.7

Avg. Influence

2018

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Gamma-Glutamyltransferase: A Predictive Biomarker of Cellular Antioxidant Inadequacy and Disease Risk.

ReviewInfluence6.0
311
Researchers found that elevated GGT levels are linked to increased risks of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The study suggests GGT as a predictive marker for multiple health risks beyond liver disease.
View on PubMed
#02

Biomarkers in alcoholism.

ReviewInfluence18.0
254
Researchers found that serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a valuable biomarker for diagnosing alcohol use disorders. The study highlights the need for improved diagnostic methods combining GGT with other tests to better identify early alcohol abuse.
View on PubMed
#03

Alcohol Biomarkers in Clinical and Forensic Contexts.

ReviewInfluence6.0
160
This review examined the use of various alcohol biomarkers, including GGT, in clinical and forensic settings. Researchers observed that GGT, along with carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), can effectively indicate alcohol consumption and assist in treatment motivation.
View on PubMed
#04

The dark side of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT): Pathogenic effects of an 'antioxidant' enzyme.

ReviewInfluence3.0
108
This overview highlighted the dual role of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) as both an antioxidant and a potential prooxidant. Researchers observed that GGT may contribute to the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and cancer.
View on PubMed
#05

gamma-Glutamyltransferase is a promising biomarker for cardiovascular risk.

ReviewInfluence2.0
59
This study proposed that GGT could serve as a promising biomarker for cardiovascular risk. Researchers observed that GGT levels may indicate atherogenesis and could help identify individuals at high risk for cardiovascular events.
View on PubMed
#06

A Systematic Review of Serum γ-Glutamyltransferase as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with Genitourinary Cancer.

Meta-AnalysisInfluence1.0
53
This systematic review assessed the prognostic role of serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in patients with genitourinary cancers. Researchers found that elevated GGT levels are associated with an increased risk of cancer progression and poor prognosis, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for monitoring these patients.
View on PubMed
#07

Hepatic Enzyme Profile in Horses.

AnimalInfluence1.0
30
This study examined the role of liver enzymes, including gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), in diagnosing liver and biliary diseases in horses. Researchers found that GGT levels indicate acute liver or biliary disease, with specific patterns of enzyme changes associated with different liver pathologies.
View on PubMed
#08

Serum Gamma-glutamyltransferase and Obesity: is there a Link?

Human
28
Researchers examined the association between gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels and body fat distribution in healthy individuals. They found that increased GGT was linked to higher android fat and a higher android/gynoid fat ratio, indicating its potential as an early biomarker for unfavorable body fat distribution.
View on PubMed
#09

Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Elevation Is Frequent in Patients With COVID-19: A Clinical Epidemiologic Study.

HumanInfluence3.0
25
This clinical study examined the relationship between gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels and COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. Researchers found that 32.7% of patients had elevated GGT levels, which were associated with longer hospital stays and other elevated biomarkers. The study suggests liver involvement in COVID-19 cases.
View on PubMed
#10

Lamivudine-Induced Liver Injury.

AnimalInfluence2.0
15
This study investigated the effects of lamivudine on liver health in rats, finding that GGT levels significantly increased with higher doses. Researchers observed that lamivudine toxicity is linked to oxidative stress in the liver.
View on PubMed

Publication Trend

Research publications about GGT over time

9total
1
'06
1
'07
2
'15
1
'18
2
'20
1
'22
1
'25

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This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer