GGT in a biochemical blood test - what to do if the indicator is increased? Ggtp is increased: what does it mean, causes, treatment Biochemical blood test what does ggtp mean.

GGT - gamma-glutamyltransferase (synonym - gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, GGTP) is an enzyme (protein) involved in the exchange of amino acids in the cells of the body. It is found mainly in the cells of the kidneys, liver and pancreas. But a small amount can also be found in the spleen, brain, heart, intestines.

It is located in the cell itself (in the membrane, cytoplasm and lysosome), but when it is destroyed, it enters the bloodstream. The low activity of this enzyme in the blood is considered normal, since the cells are renewed, but if a significant part of the cells die, the serum activity in the blood rises sharply... The highest content of the enzyme is located in the kidneys, but despite this, the source of serum GGT activity is mainly the hepatobiliary system. The analysis for the content of GGTP serum in the blood is the most sensitive laboratory indicator for almost all liver lesions and diseases:

  • cholestasis
  • obstructive liver damage (intra- or post-hepatic obstruction) - the indicator is increased 5-30 times the norm
  • cholecystitis, cholangitis, jaundice. In these diseases, the GGT test is more accurate, since it appears earlier than other liver enzymes (for example, AST and ALT) and persists for a longer time.
  • infectious hepatitis - exceeding the norm by 3-5 times. In this case, it is better to focus on the indicators of AST and ALT.
  • fatty degeneration of the liver - increased 3-5 times from the norm
  • drug intoxication
  • pancreatitis (acute and chronic)
  • alcoholic cirrhosis
  • primary and secondary neoplastic liver diseases. The increase in the serum content of the enzyme in the blood is more pronounced than the ALT and AST indicators.

Many useful information about GGT, GGTP, decoding, etc. in the video below

Most often, for this analysis venous blood is taken... Standard preparation:

  • the analysis is carried out on an empty stomach. The last meal should be no later than 8 hours. Before the analysis itself, you can drink a small amount of water
  • exclude fatty foods and alcohol in a couple of days
  • if you are taking medications, be sure to notify your doctor about this, and if you can temporarily suspend the administration, do so
  • exclude heavy physical exercise
  • ultrasound and fluoroscopy may affect the result, keep this in mind
  • some physiotherapy procedures are prohibited

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  • GGTP - gamma glutamyl transpeptidase

Synonym:

  • GGT - gamma glutamyltransferase

Designation of GGTP in analyzes:
GGT
GGTP
Gamma gt
GTP

GGTP - what is it in simple language

GGTP (or GGT) is protein enzyme, a specific catalyst for intracellular biochemical reactions, a participant in the exchange of amino acids.

GGTP is contained inside the cells of parenchymal organs: in the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, prostate glands, etc.

GGTP enters the bloodstream mainly when the tissues of the biliary tract (gallbladder and bile ducts), liver and pancreas.


Unlike "hepatic" transaminases (ALT), GGTP "works" on the surface of cell membranes. Therefore, inflammatory or mechanical damage epithelial cells intrahepatic and external bile ducts leads to a massive "washout" of GGTP from tissues into the blood and, accordingly, to a significant increase in its level. Therefore, a high concentration of GGTP in the blood is mainly associated with impaired bile flow and pathology of the biliary system, and an increase in ALT is associated with the destruction of liver soft tissue cells - hepatocytes.

Alcohol stimulates the synthesis of this enzyme. Therefore, even in the absence of diseases of the liver and biliary tract after taking alcohol, GGTP significantly exceeds the norm. When you stop drinking alcohol, its level will return to normal.

This property allows the use of GGTP analysis for the management of patients with alcoholism. If during the period of treatment the concentration of the enzyme in the patient's blood remains high, then either he continues to drink alcohol, or his liver is already irreversibly damaged (alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis).

GGTP - highly sensitive diagnostic test of toxic-alcoholic liver damage

What is GGTP analysis - when is it prescribed

A blood test for GGTP is one of the five biochemical functional liver tests - an indicator of the work of the biliary system.

GGTP - a marker of cholestasis
  • Cholestasis (simpler: bile stagnation) is a violation of the formation, secretion and outflow of bile.

Cholestasis is not an independent disease, but a condition inherent in many diseases of the liver and biliary tract. Therefore, an increase in the level of GGTP only suggests the possibility of a disease, but does not determine the diagnosis or the true cause of the pathology.

What drugs affect GGTP indicators

The analysis of GGTP is influenced by substances that change the viscosity of bile, the speed of its movement along the ducts, drugs that induce active synthesis of the enzyme and agents with hepatotoxic effects.

These drugs increase blood GGTP:
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Paracetamol, nimesulide, other NSAIDs
- Carbamazepine
- Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpropamide
- Nifedipine
- Cyclosporine
- Hormonal contraceptives, sex hormones
- Antibiotics (erythromycin, clindamycin, amoxicillin)
- Antifungal agents
- Nitrofurans
- Chlorpropamide
- Azathioprine
- Propafenone
- Blockers of H2-histamine receptors
- Captopril
- Sulpiride
- Some medicinal herbs
- dr.

After drug withdrawal gGTP level in the blood is restored on its own within 1-3 months.

Symptoms of an increase in GGTP

If jaundice is a symptom of high bilirubin, then the increase in GGTP itself does not bear any specific signs.

You can guess about the high GGTP by the symptoms of cholestasis:

  • Loss of strength, weakness
  • Severity, pain in the right hypochondrium
  • Itchy skin
  • Jaundice

GGTP rate in women and GGTP rate in men

The desired enzyme is found in large quantities in the prostate. Therefore, the normal level of GGTP in men is higher than in women.

It is important to understand that the methods for determining the activity of serum GGTP are different in different laboratories.

It is most correct to evaluate the results of your analysis for GGTP according to the standards specified by the laboratory that conducted the study.

Below are the reference values \u200b\u200bof GGTP from a number of independent laboratories.

A variant of the GGTP norm for men and women

GGTP norms in children

The normal level of GGTP in infants is several times higher than in adults. These indicators change with age. Below are the reference values \u200b\u200bof GGTP for children provided by HELIX

GGTP norms in children
Interpretation of the quantitative increase in GGTP - decoding

/ the reference values \u200b\u200bprovided by the local laboratory are taken as the norm /


Options for decoding blood biochemistry on GGTP

Read about the analysis for ALT and AST in detail here

What to do if the GGTP is increased

Obviously, with an increase in GGTP in the blood, one should consult a doctor to find out and treat the cause of this condition.

Priority studies with high GGTP:

1. Complete blood count
2. Biochemical blood test for:
- ALT and AST
- ALF ( alkaline phosphatases)
- total and direct bilirubin (bound)
- total protein and albumin
3. Ultrasound of organs abdominal cavity.

Which doctor to contact:

Gastroenterologist
- therapist
If necessary, the attending physician will appoint a consultation with other specialists.

If an isolated increase in GGTP occurred against the background of the use of alcohol, drugs or medicines, you must stop taking them and retake the analysis in a few days / weeks.

Possible consequences of increased GGTP

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is non-toxic. Being in the blood, GGTP itself does not carry any harm.

Diseases that are indicated by high GGTP are dangerous. If they are not treated, then fibrosis, cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure or a blockage of the bile duct with a stone.

How to donate blood correctly for GGTP

  • Do not drink alcohol, do not take medications a week before donating blood.
  • Do not smoke in the morning until blood donation.

Blood (5 ml) for GGTP is taken from a vein, in the morning on an empty stomach (i.e., you cannot eat for 12 hours before donating blood).

If on the day of donating blood to the GGTP you took life-saving medications, inform your doctor-laboratory assistant about it.

"Treatment of GGTP" - How to lower GGTP in the blood

/ a doctor's consultation is required, there are contraindications /

  • To reduce the GGTP, it is necessary to find out and eliminate the reason for its increase.

In other words: in order to lower the GGTP, it is necessary treat the disease in question (hepatitis, cholelithiasis, cholangitis, tumor, etc.) and / or stop taking alcohol, GGTP inducer medications.

The first line of therapy for cholestasis is considered to be ursodeoxycholic acid preparations: Urdoksa, Ursofalk, Ursosan, Ursoliv, Urso, etc.

Reduces the level of GGTP ascorbic acid (vitamin C), veganism, physical activity.

For treatment itchy skin for bile stasis, Cholestyramine or Rifampicin are usually used.

Essential phospholipids improve liver function and liver function tests: Essentiale, Rezalut, Livolin, Essliver, etc.

When bile stagnation is traditionally prescribed choleretic drugs: Allochol, Cholenzym, Vigeratin, Liobil, Hologon, Decholin, Hofitol, Urolesan, etc.

In acute hepatitis and gallstone disease choleretic agents are used in a limited way, strictly according to the prescription of the attending physician.

To reduce the viscosity and facilitate the excretion of bile, alkaline mineral waters are useful: Naftusya, Borzhomi, Narzan, Essentuki 17, 4, Smirnovskaya, Slavyanovskaya, Arzni, Izhevskaya, Jermuk, etc.

To relieve pain in the right hypochondrium, antispasmodics are prescribed: Besalol,
No-Shpa, Spazmolitin, Duspatalin, etc.

Is it possible to normalize GGTP with folk remedies

Many herbs are hepatotoxic. Therefore, using folk remedies to reduce GGTP should be extremely careful, with the consent of the attending physician.

Herbal remedies,
increasing the production and outflow of bile

IN complex therapy cholestatic diseases, herbal infusions are used to reduce GGTP.

How to prepare the infusion:
Mix the raw materials. Pour 1 tablespoon of herbal collection with 1 cup boiling water, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes. Refrigerate at room temperature. Strain, squeeze out. Bring the resulting volume of infusion to 200 ml with boiled water.

Phyto-collection for hepatitis, cholecystitis:
Helichrysum flowers - 1 tablespoon
Yarrow herb - 1 tbsp
Wormwood herb - 1 tablespoon
Fennel seeds - 1 tablespoon

Take the infusion in half a glass 4 times a day 15 minutes before meals.

Phyto-collection for cholangitis and cholecystitis
Peppermint leaves - 1 tablespoon
Wormwood herb - 1 tbsp
Valerian root - 1 tablespoon
St. John's wort herb - 1.5 tablespoons
Hop cones - 0.5 tbsp

Take the infusion in 0.5 - 1 glass 30 minutes before meals 2-3 times a day.

Choleretic phyto-collection for jaundice
Sandy immortelle flowers - 2 tbsp
Three-leaf watch leaves - 1.5 tbsp
Peppermint leaves - 1 tablespoon
Coriander fruits - 0.5 tbsp

Take half a glass of infusion 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

Phyto-collection for cholelithiasis
Sandy immortelle flowers - 3 tbsp
Tunguska rhubarb roots - 2 tbsp
Yarrow herb - 5 tablespoons

Take the infusion 1 time per day at night for half a glass.

A course of treatment folk remedies - 2 weeks. With good tolerance after a week break preventive therapy can be repeated.

Milk thistle to reduce GGTP

Milk thistle enhances the formation and excretion of bile, increases the resistance of liver cells to infection and toxins.

Dry Milk Thistle Seed Powder
Take half a teaspoon before each meal 20 minutes before meals.

Milk thistle root decoction
Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed raw materials with 1 cup of boiling water. Heat in a water bath for 30 minutes. Strain immediately, squeeze, bring the volume of the broth to 1 cup of boiled water. Take 1 tablespoon before meals 3 times a day.

The course of treatment for milk thistle is 1-2 months.

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases with increased GGTP performed by a doctor

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Blood biochemistry can determine various indicators, including the amount of enzymes in human blood. One of the enzymes is gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). The amount of this enzyme in the blood determines the presence or absence of malfunctions in the liver of the pancreas, as well as a number of other diseases.

Functions

The GGT indicator is higher than normal, as a result of biochemistry, indicates malfunctioning, most often of the liver or pancreas. But a high score can be the result of taking drugs, or is caused by other malfunctions in the body - pancreatic cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, prostate or breast cancer, and other diseases. A high level of GGTP in the blood may indicate, among other things, stagnation of bile in the biliary tract.

Important! Stagnation of bile in the biliary tract can lead to the formation of stones in the liver or gallbladder, so you should not neglect the treatment.

The doctor, based on the results of biochemistry and insufficient information, may prescribe additional studies, or prescribe the necessary treatment. IN healthy body GGT is found in high concentration in the cells of the liver, kidneys and in the pancreas. Small quantities in blood GGTP are also present in the cells of the brain, spleen, intestines and prostate gland.

The metabolism in the body lasts constantly, many processes take place with the help of enzymes. The main function of GGT is to catalyze metabolism in the human body.

Normal gGT indicator in women and men it differs - in men it is higher. Also, the amount of the enzyme depends on age; in a newborn child, it is much higher than in an adult. Values \u200b\u200balso depend on the patient's race.

Attention! High levels of GGT in the blood may indicate dangerous diseases, supervision of the attending physician is necessary.

Indications

Blood biochemistry to determine GGT is prescribed for a number of symptoms:

  • pain on the right side of the abdomen;
  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
  • fatigue;
  • dark urine, lightening of feces.

If such symptoms are observed in a person, it is important to see a doctor.

Attention! Observation of the symptoms of GGT deviation from the norm is the reason for contacting the local doctor for research.

Ignoring the signs of malfunctioning of the body can lead to serious consequences, chronic diseases and a threat to life. It is necessary as soon as possible to identify a malfunction that increased the level of GGT in the blood and to start treating the organ.

The causes of symptoms can vary. A deviation in the level of GGT in the blood may also indicate improper preparation for the test.

Before passing the analysis for GGT, several requirements must be observed:

  • exclude the use of alcohol. The amount of GGT in the blood increases with the use of alcohol, so you must refrain from drinking it for a few days before the test.
  • do not eat 8 hours before the test;
  • you can smoke an hour or more before the analysis;
  • exclude fluorographic studies, ultrasound, x-rays before taking the analysis.

Most often, the attending doctor informs about the requirements for the delivery of a biochemical blood test. If these requirements are neglected, the result will be unreliable.

The amount of TSH enzymes above normal may indicate diabetes mellitus. It is not always possible to make an accurate diagnosis by biochemistry, but most often the reason for an increase in the enzyme is a malfunction of the liver and gallbladder.

Norms

The amount of GGT enzymes in the blood differs in the blood of people of different sexes, and also depends on age. The level of the enzyme in the blood of children under six months is several times higher than the normal indicator of an adult man. Such high level is associated with the fact that the child's liver does not yet produce GGT, its source is the placenta. Normal values \u200b\u200bfor dark-skinned people differ significantly from those of Europeans.

Obesity can affect blood hormone levels.

The GGT values \u200b\u200bin the blood for men and boys over 12 years old differ significantly from the values \u200b\u200bfor women of the same age. Such differences in indicators are associated with the fact that the enzyme is concentrated in the prostate gland. If this organ does not work properly, for example, with prostatitis, GGT significantly increases according to the results of biochemistry.

Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor prescribes treatment.

Important! Healthy lifestyle life, proper nutrition, but with the exclusion of meat and milk, allow you to return the normal level of the enzyme in the body.

Reasons for deviations

When decoding a finished biochemical blood test, the doctor carefully analyzes the data, comparing other values \u200b\u200b- AST, LDH, ALT and others. The ratio of GGT, AST, ALT is especially important and informative. GGT scores vary depending on a number of reasons that you should look out for.

An increase in the concentration of GGT can signal the following failures:

  • hepatitis, including chronic;
  • inflammation in the gallbladder and biliary tract;
  • diabetes mellitus can affect performance even on initial stage illness;
  • malignant formations in the pancreas;
  • stones in the pancreas, poor permeability of bile in the biliary tract;
  • cancers in the prostate or breast;
  • rheumatoid arthritis.

Also elevated level GGT can signal heart failure. Myocardial infarction, lung disease, hypothyroidism also increase the level of the enzyme in the blood.

Decreased blood GGT levels are extremely rare. The reasons for the low level of the enzyme in the blood are, again, hypothyroidism, taking medications before taking the test, as well as in the treatment of alcohol dependence. When treating addiction for more than a month, the indicator can be significantly reduced.

Data that differ from the GGT norms may be due to the use of drugs, such as aspirin, some hormonal drugs, contraceptive medicines, antidepressants and other medications. IMPORTANT! The GGT test should be performed in the morning before taking medication.

The reasons for deviations in the concentration of GGT in the blood can be different. The doctor, observing the patient's condition, can accurately determine the cause of the increase in the amount of enzyme in the blood and prescribe correct treatment the body that malfunctioned.

It is difficult to reduce the GGT levels in the blood without treatment for the disease that increased them. First of all, you must undergo the treatment recommended by your doctor. It is worth following the recommendations and then the indicators will return to normal.

Attention! It is necessary to take tests in a timely manner to prevent the development of severe complications and diseases.

In order to reduce the level of GGT in the blood, it is important to eat properly. The main recommendation of the doctor is the introduction of fruits and vegetables into the diet. Carrots and spinach are especially beneficial for lowering the GGT enzyme. By excluding junk food, you can reduce the indicators and bring them back to normal. Smoking cessation is also recommended for patients during treatment. The most important recommendation is a complete rejection of strongly alcoholic and low alcoholic beverages.

Blood tests help diagnose many diseases. Their results are actively used by doctors when making a diagnosis. Among the many types of research, a test for gamma-glutamyltransferase, or gamma-GT (GGTP) is distinguished.

GGTP in blood - what is it?

Gamma glutamyltransferase, or gamma-HT for short, is an enzymatic compound produced in the tissues of the liver and pancreas. By its structure, it is a complex protein. Normally, it is practically not present in the bloodstream, therefore, its detection or high concentration indicates problems in work internal organs and systems. More often, the level of gamma-HT increases with liver pathologies. Doctors always pay attention to this indicator when diagnosing diseases of this organ.

Gamma-HT penetrates into the general bloodstream only after cell destruction. Its level can fluctuate and depends on age and gender. In order to determine why gamma-HT is increased, the causes of this disorder in women, experts prescribe a comprehensive examination based on laboratory methods.

What is gamma-HT responsible for?

Gamma-glutamyltransferase, like any enzyme, performs a stimulating function, triggers complex biochemical reactions in the body. The substance takes an active part in the exchange of amino acids, which are used by organs and systems as a source of energy. Gamma-HT is found in large amounts in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and pancreatic cells. It is present in small concentrations in the cells of the intestines, spleen, and brain. Have healthy person this enzyme is absent in the blood. The analysis of gamma-HT helps to reveal latent liver pathology.

What does gamma-GT show?

As mentioned above, the enzyme must be completely absent in the blood. Doctors can associate its appearance with various pathologies of internal organs. To accurately determine the cause, establish the source of gamma-HT, specialists prescribe hardware and laboratory research... Talking about what gamma-HT shows, doctors associate an increase in the indicator with the following pathologies:

  • (stagnation of bile);
  • cytolysis (death of liver cells);
  • cancerous process in the liver;
  • diseases of the pancreas.

Gamma-HT blood test

A biochemical blood test of gamma-HT is performed if liver disease is suspected or to diagnose the condition of an organ. The method can be used as an interim study to assess the effectiveness of therapy for cirrhosis, cholecystitis, cholestasis, cholangitis. With these pathologies, the concentration exceeds allowed values several times.

To identify why gamma-HT is elevated (the reasons in women are named below), to make a final diagnosis, a study can be prescribed for the following symptoms:

  • constant fatigue;
  • fast fatiguability;
  • discoloration of urine and feces;
  • yellowing of the skin;
  • unpleasant;
  • painful sensations in the right hypochondrium.

Gamma-HT is the norm in women

Only a doctor should decipher the research results. The specialist knows about all the nuances of the disease, there is information about the patient's history. The assessment is approached comprehensively, taking into account the patient's condition, her age. The unit of measurement for gamma-GT is the unit per liter (U / L). With increasing age, the concentration of GGTP also changes, the rate of which in women is as follows:

  • neonatal period up to six months - up to 200 units / l;
  • from six months to 1 year - up to 34 units / l;
  • 1-3 years old - 18 units / l;
  • 3–6 years - up to 22 units / l;
  • 6-12 years - about 15 units / l;
  • 12-17 years old - up to 33 units / l;
  • over 18 - within 42 units / l.

Gamma glutamyltransferase is elevated - what does it mean?

In order to find out why the level of gamma-HT is increased, what this means from the point of view of medicine, patients often ask the doctor about the test results. It should be borne in mind that an increase in the concentration of the enzyme may be temporary and is not a sign of a disease. An increase in GGTP in the blood may be due to alcohol consumption, smoking, and certain medications.

However, in most cases, a sharp multiple increase in concentration indicates pathology. When GGTP is elevated, doctors associate the causes of this phenomenon with the following pathologies:

  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, kidney tumors);
  • rheumatoid arthritis;
  • hyperthyroidism;
  • hepatitis B, C;
  • cholestasis;
  • severe food poisoning.

Gamma-HT and liver disease

The first thing that doctors try to exclude if gamma-HT is elevated is liver and biliary tract diseases. Examination of this organ allows you to accurately establish the cause of the increase in the concentration of the enzyme. Among the liver disorders that cause an increase in gamma-HT (the norm is indicated above):

  • alcoholic cirrhosis;
  • biliary cirrhosis - occurs in the presence of chronic pathologies of the biliary tract;
  • liver cancer;
  • chronic hepatitis against the background of damage to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is worth noting that liver dysfunction, which explains why gamma-HT is increased (the reasons for this in women are listed in the article), can be triggered by long-term medication:

  • non-steroidal drugs;
  • antibiotics;
  • cardiovascular medications;
  • sedatives and anticonvulsants;
  • chemotherapy;
  • antifungal agents;
  • hormonal drugs.

Gamma-HT is elevated during pregnancy

When carrying a baby, the level of gamma-HT is almost always increased in women - the reasons for this phenomenon are associated with an increase in the load on the organ. Chronic inflammatory processes during this period, expectant mothers may become aggravated, which also affects the functioning of the liver. Given this phenomenon, doctors adhere to the following standards for the concentration of gamma-HT during pregnancy:

  • 1 trimester - 0-17 units / l;
  • 2nd trimester - no more than 33 units / l;
  • 3rd trimester - up to 32 units / l.

Increased gamma-HT in hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in medicine means dysfunction thyroid gland, in which she begins to produce hormones in excess. As a result, the concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine sharply increases in the bloodstream. This partly explains the situation when gamma glutamyltransferase is elevated. A sharp increase in the level of gamma-HT is one of the indications for examining the thyroid gland in a woman.

Increased gamma-HT - what to do?

When the GGTP is increased in the test results, doctors prescribe a comprehensive examination of the body to identify the exact reason for its increase. The patient is referred for an ultrasound of the liver, thyroid gland, and an examination of the gastrointestinal tract is prescribed. Treatment based on research results is selected individually. The therapy is aimed at eliminating liver dysfunction.

The study of the biochemical composition of blood makes it possible to detect dysfunction of internal organs and diagnose the body. So, to assess the state of the liver, special liver tests are performed, which show the amount of enzymes produced by this organ. One of the main indicators of the correct functioning of the liver is the level of the GGT enzyme in the biochemical blood test. Let's figure out what it is, and what the decoding of the analysis will tell the doctor about?

Functions

Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase is a protein enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. It participates in complex biochemical reactions, acting as a catalyst for the transfer and exchange of amino acids between the cells of the body. This protein is contained inside the cell, but when it is destroyed, it enters the bloodstream. Due to the fact that during the life of the body cells are renewed, the blood constantly contains a small amount of glutamyltransferase (this name is synonymous with the full name of the protein - gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase).

However, in the case of the development of any disease, the process of cell destruction is significantly accelerated, which leads to a sharp increase in the amount of GGGT in the blood plasma.

This protein reacts much faster to liver cell damage than other liver enzymes. In different forms of hepatitis, the amount of GGT increases much earlier than the concentration of aminotransferases increases.

Moreover, it is highly susceptible to the effects of alcohol.

For this reason, a narcologist usually uses test results to assess the effectiveness of alcohol dependence treatment. A month after the last intake of alcoholic beverages, the level of GGTP drops by half. It should be noted that according to statistics, 30% of people with alcoholism maintain a normal level of protein in the blood plasma.

Indications for the examination

A blood test for GGTP is the most accurate and effective remedy to assess the functionality of the liver, bile ducts, pancreas. A blood test for glutamyl transpeptidase is indicated in the following situations:

  • if symptoms are present: intermittent nausea, frequent vomiting, loss of appetite, pain under the right ribs,
  • if there is a suspicion of cholecystitis, cholangitis, cholestasis, jaundice,
  • when determining the causes of stagnation of bile,
  • in the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol addiction,
  • with drug intoxication,
  • when assessing the state of the liver,
  • during the preoperative examination.

This enzyme accumulates most strongly in the kidneys, liver and pancreas, where its level is hundreds of times higher than the concentration in blood plasma. At the first signs of a violation of the functionality of the liver or biliary tract, the concentration of the enzyme in the blood plasma increases sharply in 90% of cases.

A biochemical blood test for HGP is performed if there is a suspicion of blockage of bile streams, the appearance of stones in the gallbladder, or the appearance of formations in the pancreas.

Monitoring the dynamics of the amount of GGTP in the blood makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of the treatment of hepatotoxic lesions.

The analysis for GGTP is taken on an empty stomach after standard preparation for a biochemical examination, which includes a certain diet for 1-2 days preceding the examination, as well as a temporary restriction of physical activity, refusal to carry out physiological procedures and diagnostic examinations. Blood is drawn from a peripheral vein. Particular attention should be paid to the influence of drugs on the test results. Even the reception of the usual ascorbic acid can give false GGT readings.

Norms

The rate of GGT in the blood varies depending on the age, gender and even race of a person. In newborn babies, the amount of GGTP in the blood can reach 185 U / L, and in children under 6 months of age, this figure can increase to 200 U / L. In adults, the GGT indicator ranges from 6-70 units / l, and the rate in women is significantly lower than for men.

Such a high concentration of gamma HT in the blood plasma of infants is explained by the fact that for several days after birth, the enzyme is practically not produced by the liver, and its main source is the placenta.

There is a higher concentration of GGTP in the biochemical blood test taken from black people.

Moreover, the indicators can exceed the norm for Europeans by almost two times.

Obesity also affects the production of enzymes, and leads to an increased concentration of GGT in the blood.

In the table of GGT norms, an increased level of protein concentration in the blood can be clearly traced in men aged 12 years and older compared to women of a similar age group. This gap is due to the fact that a certain amount of the enzyme accumulates in the prostate gland. This helps to diagnose prostatitis and other diseases of this gland, since in this case the biochemistry shows a sharp jump in the concentration of GGT.

Regular physical activity, as well as a strict diet that excludes the use of meat and dairy products, will reduce the GGT content in a natural way, without taking medications.

Reasons for deviations

Indicators of GGT in the analysis may deviate from the norm up or down. The doctor must carefully analyze the data obtained and identify the reasons for the deviation, and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.

If GGT is increased, then we can talk about the following pathologies:

  • violation of the patency of the biliary tract, which can be caused by the appearance of stones, neoplasms, postoperative scars, pancreatic cancer;
  • acute or chronic hepatitis;
  • infectious mononucleosis, with the spread of infection to the liver;
  • pancreatitis,
  • some autoimmune diseases;
  • diabetes;
  • prostate or breast cancer;
  • heart failure or myocardial infarction, in which the concentration of the enzyme increases on the 4th day after the onset of the disease;
  • rheumatoid arthritis.

A high level of GGTP can be caused by taking certain types of drugs: aspirin, paracetamol, antibacterial, hormonal or contraceptive drugs, and other medications.

Low enzyme levels can be caused by three reasons:

  • hypothyroidism;
  • taking certain medications that lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, such as clofibrate
  • post-therapeutic effect in patients who have recovered from alcohol dependence. Ethanol stimulates the intensive production of enzymes by liver cells, therefore, the absence of an additional stimulant dramatically reduces the synthesis of GGT and, accordingly, affects its concentration in the blood.

The doctor must decipher the indicators of biochemical analysis in a comprehensive manner, analyzing not only the level of GGT, but also the amount of other liver enzymes, bilirubin, lipase, etc.

Conducting a biochemical blood test for the level of GGT will reveal diseases of the liver, pancreas at the most early stages development. Thanks to this, the doctor will be able to prescribe effective treatment... And the implementation of the doctor's recommendations will allow in a short time to normalize all blood parameters and the functionality of body systems.

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