Open AccessGamma glutamyl transferase – an underestimated marker for cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome
Author(s) -
Manuela G. Neuman,
Stephen Malnick,
Lucy Chertin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.497
H-Index - 78
ISSN - 1482-1826
DOI - 10.18433/jpps30923
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , heart failure , metabolic syndrome , gamma glutamyltransferase , exacerbation , obstructive sleep apnea , disease , gastroenterology , enzyme , endocrinology , cardiology , biochemistry , biology , obesity
Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme in glutathione and cysteine metabolism. GGT is a standard liver enzyme test reflecting biliary tract involvement. It also has a prooxoidant activity and a modulating influence on endothelia dysfunction. GGT is associated with the metabolic syndrome and is often elevated in patients with NAFLD.
There is also a role for GGT activity in several aspects cardiovascular disease. There is an association between elevated GGT and cardiovascular mortality, atrial fibrillation, exacerbation of congestive heart failure . In addition there is an association with obstructive sleep apnea.
We review the evidence available and suggest that there is a need for further assessing the use of GGT, together with the presence of the metabolic syndrome as a prognostic marker.