D

Gamma-glutamyl transferase

Gamma-glutamyl transferase

Synonyms - Specimen - Reference Value - Method - Description - Indications - Interpretation 
Synonyms            : Serum Gamma-glutamyl transferase : glutamyl transpeptidase , GGT , SGGT 
Specimen              : Serum or plasma 
Reference Value    : Male 1 - 94 U/L - Female 1 - 70 U/L 
Method                  : Spectrophotometry 

Description

Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) assists with the reabsorption of amino acids and peptides from glomerular filtrate and intestinal lumen . Hepatobiliary , renal tubular , and pancreatic tissue contain large amounts of GGT . Other sources include the prostate gland , brain and heart . 
GGT is elevated in all types of liver disease and is more responsive to biliary obstruction , cholangitis , or cholecystitis than any of the other enzymes used as markers for liver disease . GGT is found primarily in microsomal location as aggregates . A small portion ( <5 % ) is found in the cytoplasm . Disaggregation and increased synthesis result in increased activity in serum . GGT increases may precede increases in SAP and is a more sensitive indicator of liver disease 
 
 Indication 
- Assits  in the diagnosis   of obstructive jaundice in neonates 
- Detect the presence of liver disease 

Interpretation

Increased in 

- Hepatobiliary tract obstruction ( intrahepatic or extra-hepatic) 
- Obstructive liver disease 
- Cirrhosis 
- Diabetes with hypertension 
- Hepatitis 
- Hepatocellular carcinoma 
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pancreatitis 

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