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Blutwerte · Marker

GGT

Gamma-Glutamyltransferase · Gamma-GT · GGT

Leberwerte
Einheit:
IU/L

GGT measures the activity of the gamma-glutamyltransferase enzyme, reflecting liver function and glutathione metabolism.

Reference Ranges

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

Reference ranges may vary based on age and gender.

Overview

Übersicht

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role 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 used as a biomarker for liver function and is sensitive to alcohol consumption, liver inflammation, and bile duct obstruction. Researchers have found that elevated GGT levels are associated with chronic alcohol use, liver disease, and cardiovascular risk. In athletic performance and biohacking contexts, GGT may be considered for its role in oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome, though its direct impact on performance is less clear. Caveats include potential confounders such as age, gender, obesity, and alcohol intake. Time-of-day and fasting status do not significantly affect GGT levels, but recent alcohol consumption can elevate results, necessitating careful interpretation.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated GGT levels indicate liver dysfunction, alcohol abuse, or bile duct obstruction. Low levels are generally not clinically significant but may occur in certain genetic conditions.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising GGT levels suggest worsening liver function or increased alcohol intake. Re-test recommended in 4 weeks.

Falling Values

Falling values may indicate improvement in liver health or reduced 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
  • Pancreatitis
  • Heart failure
  • Metabolic syndrome
Cause

Low Levels

  • Genetic conditions
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Low alcohol intake
  • Some medications
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
Lever

Nutrition

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

Supplementation

  • Milk thistle
  • N-acetylcysteine
  • Vitamin E

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, 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 adults or more frequently if monitoring liver function.

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 to be revisited due to confounding factors such as gender, age, and the effects of moderate drinking and obesity. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for GGT in relation to cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the integration of GGT with emerging biomarkers for improved detection of alcohol use disorders and the long-term implications of elevated GGT levels.

47 Research Publications

2,540

Total Citations

17

Human/RCT

5.8

Avg. Influence

2018

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Reference range data base for serum chemistry and hematology values in laboratory animals.

AnimalInfluence11.0
374
View on PubMed
#02

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

ReviewInfluence6.0
311
Researchers found that elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels are linked to increased risks of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The study suggests that GGT could serve as a predictive biomarker for multiple health conditions beyond liver disease.
View on PubMed
#03

Biomarkers in alcoholism.

ReviewInfluence18.0
260
This study examined the role of various biomarkers, including gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), in diagnosing alcohol use disorders. Researchers found that combining GGT with carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) improves diagnostic sensitivity without losing specificity. The study also highlighted the need for revisiting reference intervals for ethanol-sensitive parameters in laboratory medicine.
View on PubMed
#04

Gamma-glutamyl transferase: a novel cardiovascular risk biomarker.

HumanInfluence10.0
214
This study examined the association of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels with cardiovascular risks. Researchers found that elevated GGT is linked to increased all-cause mortality and heart disease events. GGT may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk and oxidative stress.
View on PubMed
#05

Biochemical markers of alcoholism.

ReviewInfluence12.0
189
Researchers found that gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is one of the most sensitive biomarkers for detecting excessive alcohol intake. The study emphasized the need for more specific biomarkers to improve early detection of alcohol abuse. GGT, when combined with carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), enhances diagnostic accuracy.
View on PubMed
#06

Biochemical detection and monitoring of alcohol abuse and abstinence.

ReviewInfluence15.0
184
This study critically examined traditional and new biomarkers for monitoring alcohol abuse. Researchers found that GGT remains the most convenient and sensitive marker for detecting alcohol consumption. The study noted that no single test is reliable enough for diagnosing alcoholism, highlighting the importance of combining tests.
View on PubMed
#07

Fluorescent In Situ Targeting Probes for Rapid Imaging of Ovarian-Cancer-Specific γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase.

In Vitro
177
Researchers developed novel fluorescent probes to target gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in ovarian cancer cells. They found that these probes can differentiate between cancerous and normal cells based on GGT activity. This study represents a new approach to monitoring GGT in cancer diagnostics.
View on PubMed
#08

Alcohol Biomarkers in Clinical and Forensic Contexts.

ReviewInfluence8.0
162
Researchers reviewed various biomarkers of alcohol consumption, including gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), highlighting their importance in clinical and forensic contexts. The study emphasized the role of GGT in verifying abstinence and detecting harmful alcohol use, suggesting a combination of markers for accurate assessment.
View on PubMed
#09

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

ReviewInfluence3.0
108
Researchers highlighted that gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) may have pathogenic effects beyond its role as an antioxidant enzyme. The study reviews its involvement in various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and cancer, suggesting a complex role in human health.
View on PubMed
#10

Use of enzymes for the diagnosis of alcohol-related organ damage.

ReviewInfluence3.0
88
This study explored the use of serum enzymes, including gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), in diagnosing alcohol-related organ damage. Researchers found that GGT detects a significant percentage of problem drinkers, but its lack of specificity limits its use for general screening. The study highlighted the need for test combinations to improve diagnostic accuracy.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (1)

1

Total Trials

85

Total Enrolled

Web-based Interventions on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Obese Children

NCT05527938COMPLETED
Sponsor

Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital

Enrollment

85

Started

2022

Primary outcome

The change of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and gamma-glutamyl transferase(GGT)

NAFLDWebChildhood Obesity

Publication Trend

Research publications about GGT over time

10total
1
'86
1
'02
1
'03
1
'07
1
'18
1
'19
1
'21
3
'24

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