GGT in a biochemical blood test - what to do if the indicator is increased? Gamma-rt is increased in women. The high level of ggt 1476 indicates what.

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 a malfunction, 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, according to 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 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.

The normal GGT value differs in women and men - it is higher in men. Also, the amount of the enzyme depends on age; in a newborn child, it is much higher than in an adult. The 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 life threatening. 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 indicate an incorrect preparation for the test.

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

• 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.

Standards

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 a high level is due to 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.

Blood GGT values \u200b\u200bfor men and boys over 12 years old differ significantly from those for 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 increases significantly according to the results of biochemistry.

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

Important! A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, but with the exception of meat and milk, allows 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, an increased level of 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 medicines before taking an analysis, as well as during treatment for alcohol addiction. 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! An analysis for GGT should be performed in the morning before taking medications.

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 doctor's recommendation is to introduce fruits and vegetables into the diet. Carrots and spinach are especially beneficial for reducing enzyme GGT... 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-alcohol drinks.

A biochemical blood test is an integral part of the diagnosis of a wide range of pathological conditions.

A detailed study of enzymes, among which the GGTP indicator in the blood test is especially important, makes it possible to assess the state of all organs and systems of the patient.

Functions

Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGTP or GGT) is the most sensitive component in detecting diseases of the gallbladder and liver.

It belongs to protein enzymes that act as a catalyst for various biochemical processes that occur inside cells, and also participates in the exchange of amino acids.

A feature of GGTP is its action not inside cell membranes, but on their surface. This becomes a prerequisite for the fact that when inflammation or other types of damage to the liver and bile ducts occur, these components enter the bloodstream.

As a result, there is a significant increase in these parameters in the blood, which indicates diseases of the biliary and liver.

In the so-called biochemistry of blood, together with such enzymes as bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and ALT, it acts as a liver test, indicating the likelihood of hepatitis, even when the symptoms of the disease are still insufficiently expressed.

This indicator is no less important for identifying the clinical picture of the pathological process associated with liver parenchyma.

Indications for analysis

The high accuracy and efficiency of detecting dysfunction of such vital organs as the liver, pancreas and gallbladder make it possible to use the GGTP values \u200b\u200bwhen checking for the presence of neoplasms or stones in these organs.

Monitoring the indicators of this enzyme in the blood makes it possible to assess not only the patient's condition, but also the effectiveness of the applied therapeutic treatment.

Among the main indications for testing for glutamyl transferase are the following situations:

• scheduled preventive examinations;
• identifying the causes of pain in the right hypochondrium, vomiting, nausea, bile stasis;
• suspicion of hepatitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis;
• probability gallstone disease;
• liver examination;
• front surgical operations;
• assessment of the state of organs and systems in case of alcohol poisoning or drug intoxication.

The detection of high levels of GGTP indicates serious disorders in the body and the need for a more detailed examination.

Preparation for analysis

For analysis, blood is taken from a vein. In order to obtain reliable results, the following recommendations must be observed:

• exclude the use of fatty and fried foods, as well as alcoholic beverages two to three days before the procedure;
• do not eat 8-12 hours before taking blood, the analysis is carried out on an empty stomach;
• be sure to notify the attending physician about taking any medications and, if possible, temporarily refrain from using them;
• carrying out physiotherapy and different types instrumental examination (CT, MRI, X-ray) is also not recommended.

GGTP norm

The optimal values \u200b\u200bof gamma glutamyl transpeptidase have a significant difference in individuals of different age categories and floors. For example, the level in blood GGTP in adult men is higher than the norm in women. Children have their own characteristics. These differences can be clearly seen in the table:

Exceptionally high rates in a child's first days of life are observed due to their placental source. Subsequently, the production of GGTP occurs already in the baby's liver, gradually the concentration of these enzymes levels off.

The significant difference between male and female normal values \u200b\u200bis due to the large amount of GGT in the prostate gland. This is taken into account when diagnosing prostatitis and oncological processes in this organ.

It is interesting! It is a known fact of higher rates among representatives of the black race. They are almost twice as high as those of Europeans.

Reasons for violations

Considering the issues of deviation from the norm, it should be noted from the outset that situations when the gamma-GTP values \u200b\u200bare lowered are extremely rare.

Such changes are characteristic feature a serious destructive process in the liver called cirrhosis. Also, low values \u200b\u200bare possible with hyperthyroidism, during treatment for alcohol dependence and the use of certain medications.

As for the reason high values, then they are very diverse.

Why is the indicator increasing

In most cases, an increased level of GGTP in the blood is a determining factor in diagnosing liver pathologies, since this enzyme is highly sensitive to damage to the cells of this organ - hepatocytes.

Also, glutamyl transferase is increased to a large extent with hepatotoxicity. The enzyme is especially sensitive in alcohol poisoning (GGTP is increased in such cases to extremely high units).

Diseases provoking an increase in values

Among the main reasons, the following conditions should be especially noted

1. Pathological processes developing in the liver, hepatitis of various etiologies, occurring in acute form... The chronic course of ailments can significantly increase the GGT indicators in the acute stage. These enzymes react to diseases earlier than other components of the liver function test (ALT, ALP, AST).
2. Diseases caused by stagnation of bile, including cholelithiasis.
3. Infectious mononucleosis, which negatively affects the condition of the liver.
4. Alcoholism, in which, oddly enough, only in 70% of cases the test results record increased values \u200b\u200bof GGTP. In some patients with alcoholism, this indicator remains within the normal range.

However, in most cases, it is the active surge in GGTP values \u200b\u200bthat determines the stage of alcohol intoxication. An adequate course of treatment helps to bring the enzyme concentration back to normal after 18-20 days.

Other factors

List of diseases signaled increase in GGTP, can continue:

1. Compensated liver cirrhosis.
2. Liver damage caused by toxic substances and radiation.
3. Malignant formations affecting the liver.
4. Renal failure
5. Heart attack. The values \u200b\u200bof gamma glutamyltransferase increase only 3-4 days after the onset of the disease. But the increase in enzymes indicates an emerging positive dynamics in the myocardium and liver.
6. Diabetes.
7. Pancreatitis
8. Oncological processes in the prostate gland.
9. Hyperthyroidism.
10. Obesity.

In addition to pathological conditions, the intake of drugs such as:

• hormonal contraceptives;
• Phenobarbital and Phenytoin (for epilepsy);
• Rifampicin and other medicines for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Symptoms at high values

An increase in GGTP can be indicated by symptoms that appear with a large number of diseases. By their presence, it is not possible to diagnose any of them.

Among the most likely:

• general weakness;
• pain and heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
• yellowness and itching of the skin.

These signs indicate the development of pathology and are the reason for a biochemical blood test, followed by a diagnostic examination, which helps to identify the cause of the symptoms.

How to decipher the analysis results

It is difficult for a person ignorant of medicine to understand what analysis means. Deciphering the indicators involves their consideration with the obligatory assessment of other enzymes of the biochemical blood test.

This is due to the fact that all processes in the body are accompanied by a simultaneous change in the values \u200b\u200bof GGT, ALT, ALP, AST and other liver tests in the blood.

In order not to get lost in the abundance of numbers and indicators, it would be wiser to seek clarification from an experienced specialist. On the basis of laboratory data, he will be able to either diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment, or direct him to further study the reasons that caused negative manifestations.

Treatment

The fundamental principle of normalization of indicators is the elimination of the disease, which is the root cause of their change.

Downgrade methods

Among the ways to effectively influence the diseases that caused increased performance, the following:

1. Treatment of cholestasis with drugs Ursosan, Urdoks, Ursofalk.
2. Itchy skincaused by difficulty in bile excretion is eliminated by Rifampicin, Cholestyramine. Choleretic drugs - Urolesan, Allohol, Decholin - used to eliminate stagnant secretions. However, it should be borne in mind that with gallstone disease and acute hepatitis, these drugs are contraindicated.
3. The liver condition is stabilized by Livolin, Rezalut, Essentiale.

Avoiding alcohol also helps to lower GGTP.

Proper nutrition, including the elimination of fatty, fried and spicy foods from the diet, as well as an active lifestyle make it possible to lower the concentration of these enzymes in the blood.

Application of traditional medicine methods

Piggy bank recipes folk remedies are used as an adjunct to the main therapeutic course.

The following funds have a positive effect:

1. The infusion of medicinal collection, including yarrow, wormwood, immortelle and mint leaves, is successfully used to treat cholecystitis and hepatitis. 1 tbsp. a spoonful of each ingredient should be mixed and pour 200 ml of boiled water, leave for 20 minutes, then strain. Drink 50 ml before each meal.
2. Infusion of rhubarb roots, flowers of sandy immortelle and yarrow - effective remedyused for cholelithiasis. Prepared in the manner described in the first recipe. It is taken once a day, before bedtime, 30 ml.
3. Milk thistle decoction. Immerse 1 tbsp in 250 ml of boiling water. spoon of crushed plant roots. Boil covered over very low heat for 15 minutes. Then strain. Drink 10 ml 3 times a day a quarter of an hour before meals for a month. This helps to activate the outflow of bile.

With a competent approach and the mandatory coordination of funds with the attending physician, infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs help to reduce the GGTP indicators.

For prophylaxis, it is recommended to regularly conduct biochemical analysis to determine the concentration of gamma-glutamyltransferase. This will make it possible to timely identify possible pathological changes in the liver, gallbladder and pancreas and prevent the development of complications.

The timeliness of adjusting blood counts and the functioning of all body systems depends on attentiveness to your health.

For the timely detection of pathological changes in the liver and bile ducts in the blood test, special attention is paid to the enzyme GGT (gamma-glutamyltransferase), it is also called gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP). The enzyme is actively involved in the construction of new protein molecules and acts as an important catalyst for biochemical reactions.

GGT in the blood shows the state of the liver and bile ducts

GGT (gamma-glutamyltransferase) indications

Gamma HT is located on the cells of the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and bile ducts. Normally, it is practically absent in the blood, and it gets there only if healthy cells are destroyed. important organs. Therefore, the determination of GGT is an integral part of the biochemical blood test (liver function tests). Its sharp increase in serum indicates dangerous changes in the liver or disorders of the bile duct.

Indications for biochemical gGTP research are the following states:

1. Disorders of the normal functioning of the liver caused by the abuse of alcoholic beverages (alcoholic hepatitis). Usually such patients are seen by a narcologist.
2. Presence of stones in the bile ducts or tumors in the pancreas. Such conditions provoke a blockage of the gallbladder channels.
3. Pathological changes in bone tissue (analysis is performed if alkaline phosphatase is elevated).
4. Complaints of the patient about lack of appetite, painful discomfort on the right side under the rib, periodic nausea, vomiting. TO clinical picture darkening of urine and lightening of feces, yellowness and itching of the skin may be added.

It is necessary to donate blood for liver tests before surgical intervention, as well as in the form of prophylaxis during routine medical examinations.

With stones in the gallbladder, an analysis for GGT is prescribed

Preparation for analysis

To obtain the most reliable results, to gGT analysis you need to properly prepare:

1. 8-10 hours before donating blood, do not eat food or any drinks. The material is taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
2. Limit physical and emotional stress as much as possible per day.
3. For several days, follow a diet - exclude fatty, spicy, salty and smoked foods, sweets and alcohol from the diet.
4. Do not take any medications the day before the study. If this is not possible, then notify the doctor about the appointment medicationsas they can distort the research results.
5. Try to exclude smoking at least 2-3 hours before the test.

A few days before the tests, do not eat spicy and fatty foods

It is worth remembering that the results of the study of biological material can be influenced by physiotherapy or ultrasound examinations, fluoroscopy. Therefore, it is better to postpone such procedures for several days.

Indicator standards

The level of gamma HT in the blood depends on the age and sex of the person. In children, this indicator is significantly increased in the first days of life. As you grow older, the amount of the enzyme stabilizes.

Table "The norm of gamma glutamyl transferase in the biochemical analysis of children and adults"

During pregnancy, small abnormalities in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase are normal and depend on the trimester of gestation. Over the entire period, the amount of this enzyme in the blood plasma ranges from 17 to 34 U / L.

Possible reasons for deviations

The enzyme gamma glutamyl transferase is located inside liver cells and enters the blood as a result of their destruction. If in the biochemical analysis the GGT indicator is reduced or increased, we are talking about negative processes in vital organs.

Reasons for high GGTP

An increase in the level of GGT in biochemical analysis does not determine a specific pathology, but makes it clear to specialists that negative deviations occur in the liver or gallbladder.

The reasons for the high gamma of HT can be the following diseases:

• exacerbation of hepatitis or a sluggish course of the disease (the level of GGTP is 3-4 times higher than the norm);
• blockage of the biliary tract with seals or stones (the enzyme increases 30 times);
• tumor processes in the pancreas (gamma HT over normal 10 times);
• liver damage due to prolonged alcohol abuse;
• inflammatory processes in the interlobular and septal bile ducts (biliary cirrhosis);
• malignant lesions of the liver cells.

When deciphering the biochemical analysis, it is worth considering the fact that diseases of other vital organs can affect the increase in the amount of gamma-glutamyl transferase.

1. Oncological tumors in the mammary glands (in women), prostate (in men).
2. Kidney disease (glomerulonephritis) of a chronic and acute nature.
3. Myocardial infarction.
4. Liver metastases from cancer of any location.
5. Diabetes mellitus in a severe stage.

Research results are influenced by and medications, which a person took on the eve of the delivery of biological material.

It is possible to increase the level of GGTP:

• antidepressants;
• contraceptives (hormonal);
• cephalosporins (antibiotics);
• statins (means for normalizing blood cholesterol);
• antihelminthic and antihistamines.

To accurately diagnose, doctors pay attention to other indicators in biochemical analysis - the level of transaminases ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and alkaline phosphatase (ALF).

Table "What does an increase in GGT mean together with changes in ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase"

Gamma HT is a highly sensitive enzyme, and most often its increase is associated with stagnation of bile as a result of inflammation of the ducts (cholangitis) or the biliary organ itself (cholecystitis). Gamma-glutamyltransferase reacts faster to pathological abnormalities and increases in plasma earlier than other enzymes. This is why its role is so important in blood research.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Decrease Factors

A decrease in serum renal enzyme is very rare. If this indicator is lowered, then the main cause may be decompensated cirrhosis of the liver - a condition when the cells of the organ have not yet been destroyed, but are severely scarred, which prevents them from performing their functions.

GGT may decrease due to a sharp refusal from alcohol

Is it life-threatening to increase GGT?

An increase in the amount of gamma-glutamyltransferase in the blood always indicates negative disruptions in work internal organs, in particular the liver or gallbladder. Except for those situations when high GGT was caused by drugs or violation of the rules for preparing for the analysis. How life-threatening is an increase in such an enzyme depends on the degree of its change, as well as the level of deviation of other indicators (AST, ALT, ALP).

For a person, it is not the increase in gamma HT itself that is dangerous, but the reasons that caused this condition. Pathological disorders can threaten the patient's life, as evidenced by the high activity of liver GGT.

How to lower enzyme levels

To bring the enzyme level back to normal, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of its increase. Depending on the disease and the severity of the course, the patient is prescribed medication.

You can stabilize the hepatic enzyme using proper nutrition... Fatty and spicy foods should be excluded from the diet. It is recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber and folic acid.

To achieve high therapeutic effect it is important to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, lead healthy image life, avoid stress and physical overwork.

Physical education stabilizes the GGT indicator

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase plays an important role in the biochemical blood test. The enzyme is sensitive to pathological changes in the liver and gallbladder, which makes it possible to detect dangerous diseases in the early stages. Even a slight increase in GGTP should prompt a person to undergo a full examination and determine the true cause of deviations from the norm.

GGT (gamma-glutamyltransferase) is an enzyme that accumulates mainly in the human excretory system and reflects its state. The GGT test is often taken in combination with other laboratory tests for a competent diagnosis of diseases.

IN medical practice GGT is known by another name - GGTP (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase). The blood does not contain gamma-HT, but it enters circulatory system when the cell is destroyed. This process causes constant fluctuations in the value of the enzyme (in particular, an increase).

The main task of GGT is to stimulate the body's biochemical processes, such as liver detoxification. Thus, by taking a sample, it is possible to reliably determine the presence of a pathological process in the following organs:

• kidneys;
• liver;
• spleen;
• prostate;
• gallbladder.

In diseases of other organs, GGT also increases.

Reasons for increasing the enzyme

The increased value of the GGT enzyme primarily indicates pathological processes in the organs. But there is one caveat: if a person consumed alcohol during the day before the test, it is 100% likely to affect the test results.

The sensitivity to alcohol of the enzyme gamma-HT allows you to accurately recognize chronic alcoholism.

The GGT sample is not a stable, constant value. The change in the enzyme index is often temporary and returns to normal when the root cause is eliminated. Let's consider all factors separately.

When does GGT rise slightly and temporarily?

If other indicators laboratory research do not indicate the development of pathology, there is no cause for concern. The result of the test is affected by alcohol intake, as well as other factors:

A moderate increase in GGT already indicates inflammatory processes in the body. If the result of the sample is overestimated by 2-3 times, diseases of the biliary tract and pancreas are excluded.

Sample results are influenced by:

Laboratory results are confirmed by the characteristic symptoms for each specific disease.

Why do critical indicators of gamma-GT arise?

The critical values \u200b\u200bof the GGT results (10-fold deviation from the norm) provoke severe, chronic diseases:

Long-term alcohol consumption increases the GGT index by 10-30 times! In order to bring gamma-HT to normal, it will take from several days to several weeks of complete abstinence from alcohol.

The reasons for the increase in gamma-HT in men are more often due to a tumor of the prostate gland or chronic alcoholism.

The duration of the recovery period is influenced by:

• duration, as well as frequency of use;
• type of alcoholic beverage, amount of consumption;
• liver condition and general state organism.

In the future, using the analysis for GGTP, the effectiveness of treatment and the rate of recovery of the affected organ are monitored.

Gamma-GT values

Normally, gamma-HT is present in the cytoplasmic and membrane structure of cells. At the same time, it is noted that in women the normal indicator is 2 times lower, in contrast to men. This is due to the presence of a prostate gland in men.

In newborns, the value of GGT is extremely high, but it normalizes during the first months of life. Further, the indicators of the norm are given in numbers.

For analysis for gamma-HT, a morning blood sample is taken from a vein only on an empty stomach. For the correct value of gamma-HT according to the research results, you need to refuse:

Also, if possible, avoid stressful situations... The time interval between the last meal and blood sampling should be at least 12 hours.

A blood test is a very important indicator that can tell the doctor about the work of the patient's body. It is prescribed for all diseases or suspicions of pathological processes occurring in the human body. The doctor should deal with decoding the blood test, since it is quite difficult for an ordinary person to understand the indicators.

In some cases, the results laboratory diagnostics blood levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) are elevated. Of course for a person who does not have medical education such an indicator will not say anything, but for a doctor, the level of this component in the blood is the most important indicator that tells about the work of the liver and other organs. In order to learn more about such a term as GGTP, you need to know what this indicator is, what factors affect its increase, as well as how dangerous and how to treat an increased level of GGTP in the blood.

What is GGTP?

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT or GGTP) is an enzyme involved in the exchange of nucleic acids. It is contained in the membranes, the cytoplasm of the cellular structures of the parenchymal organs, and a small amount is also present in the mucous membrane of the bile ducts. IN standard GGTP is not present in the blood, only during the period of cell renewal can a small amount of it be observed in the blood plasma. It is known that the activity of this enzyme in blood plasma can increase with increased cell destruction, as well as the development of certain diseases that affect the liver, spleen, pancreas and even the brain. Most often, the amount of GGTP grows with stagnation of bile, decay of hepatic cells or with cholestasis. Very often, its level can increase in people who abuse alcohol, or in those who have been taking strong medications for a long time.

With an elevated GGTP level, a person may experience minor symptoms, including nausea, vomiting of bile, itching, yellowing of the skin, darkening of urine, or lightening of feces. But in some cases, a person may not experience any signs, and the increased level of the enzyme itself may be diagnosed accidentally or even return to normal on its own. How serious the situation with an increase in GGPT directly depends on the cause that provoked its presence in the blood plasma.

Laboratory analysis for gamma-glutamyltransferase is a biochemical one and is included in the group of liver tests. The results of such an analysis will reflect not only the level of GGTP, but also the amount of ALT, AST, bilirubin, cholesterol and other indicators that will help the doctor determine the cause, make the correct diagnosis, and then prescribe adequate treatment.

It is important to understand that the level of GGTP is influenced by the person's lifestyle, as well as the age and gender of the patient. In men, this enzyme is many times more often present than in women. Moreover, its indicators are affected by the use of alcoholic beverages, the frequent abuse of fatty, spicy or sweet foods. In women, this enzyme can increase with prolonged use of oral contraceptives. In any of the cases, if the presence of GGTP exceeds the norm, it is important to determine the causes, since it can hide behind rather serious diseases.

Causes of increased GGTP

An increased level of GGTP can be present with a fairly large list of diseases, but most often an increase in the activity of this enzyme is present when:

1. Obstructive jaundice.
2. Cholestasis.
3. Cholelithiasis.
4. Cholecystitis.
5. Acute viral hepatitis.
6. Chronic hepatitis.
7. Toxic damage to the hepatic parenchyma.
8. Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
9. Fatty hepatosis.
10. Long-term use of certain medications.
11. Primary liver cancer.
12. Liver metastases.
13. Chronic glomerulonephritis.

Very often, the amount of GGTP in the blood rises on the 4th day after myocardial infarction and persists for 2 weeks with a successful prognosis. One of frequent reasons, is alcoholism, or rather the defeat of liver cells by alcohol breakdown products - acetaldehydes, which are toxic to the whole organism. When the cells of the parenchymal organs are damaged in the human body, the enzymes of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase penetrate into the blood stream with further manifestation of symptoms and the development of a certain disease.

When an analysis is prescribed - indications

A blood test for kidney tests, in particular the amount of GGTP, should be prescribed by a doctor when a patient complains of certain symptoms or if certain diseases are suspected. Most often, the following conditions are considered an indication for the purpose of this analysis:

1. Suspected pancreatic cancer.
2. Diagnostics of the bile ducts in case of suspected cholelithiasis.
3. Chronic alcoholism.
4. Suspected cirrhosis of the liver.
5. Differential diagnosis liver diseases.
6. Screening diagnostics before the operation.
7. Pain in the right hypochondrium.
8. A sharp decrease in weight.
9. Chronic fatigue.
10. Yellowness of the skin.
11. Dark colored urine or lighter stool.

The indications for this analysis may be other indications or complaints, but in any case the doctor will give the referral.

How is the analysis done for GGTP?

It is important to know that the level of gamma-glutamate transferase varies throughout the day, but in the morning its concentration is the lowest, so you need to take the test in the morning on an empty stomach. In the evening, the concentration of GGTP is highest; this may be associated with food intake, physical activity, and other reasons. The analysis is taken from the cubital vein on an empty stomach. In order for the results of the analysis to be correct, on the eve of the delivery, you must not drink alcohol, adhere to a diet, refuse fatty and spicy foods. The only thing is that you can drink plain water before taking the test, this will not affect the result. In addition, on the day of the analysis, you cannot undergo an ultrasound or X-ray examination, to exclude possible stressful situations.

Compliance with all the rules will help to give the most accurate results, eliminate their distortion. If the preparation rules are not followed, the results may be incorrect, which may lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

Norms and deviations

In order to understand how dangerous an increase in the level of GGTP in the blood is, you need to know its norms and deviations, which may indicate the development of a particular disease. In addition, you need to know that the level of GGTP in men is slightly higher than in women. The fact is that in men, a small part of the enzyme is present in the tissues of the prostate gland, which explains the slight increase in indicators. It is also important to consider factors chronic diseases human, since in such cases the level of GGTP may also exceed the permissible norm.

1. The following indicators are considered the norm:
2. Women - from 6 to 42 U / l.
3. Men - from 10 to 71 U / l.
4. Pregnant women - from 6 to 33 U / liter. The level may decrease or increase in each trimester.

In children, the level of GGTP is significantly increased than in adults, but the older the child becomes, the less the enzyme is present in the blood plasma. GGTP in children is considered individually by a pediatrician.

It is worth noting the fact that the indicators of the norm, as well as deviations in different laboratories, may differ, therefore, before going through this study, you need to choose a laboratory with a good reputation.

The rate of GGTP in women, as well as in men, can have minor deviations, so the doctor pays attention to other indicators in the analyzes, or rather the level of bilirubin, the amount of ALT, AST, total protein, cholesterol and other results that are present in the transcript of the analysis. In addition to liver tests, the patient will be assigned other laboratory and instrumental methods diagnostics that will help the doctor draw up a complete picture of the disease, identify the cause, and, if necessary, give helpful advice or prescribe medical therapy.

What to do with an increased GGTP?

With an elevated level of gamma glutamate transferase, only the attending physician can diagnose and prescribe treatment. There is no standard treatment that would be aimed specifically at reducing GGT in the blood, since it all depends on the degree of damage to the parenchymal organ, concomitant diseases, age and gender of the person. Therefore, in order for the level of GGTP to return to normal, it is necessary to cure the underlying disease, which provoked an increase in the concentration of the enzyme in the blood plasma.

With liver damage, biliary tract the doctor mainly prescribes hepatoprotectors, which have the ability to remove intoxication, restore organ cells. The most common drugs include Gepabene, Esenziale, Karsil, Esliver and others. The patient may be prescribed drugs to normalize the pancreas: Mezim, Pancreatin, Creon, Panzinorm and others. In cases where the disease is severe associated with tumor processes or complete destruction of the organ, treatment is carried out in a hospital under the close supervision of medical staff, and an operation may also be prescribed. Treatment, the name of the drugs, as well as the therapeutic course, are prescribed individually for each patient.

In addition to taking medications, the doctor gives patients valuable recommendations on nutrition and lifestyle, adherence to which will help reduce the level of GGTP in the blood, and improve the general well-being of a person.

Patients are assigned a special diet, which consists of eating plant foods that are rich in vitamin C, folic acid and fiber: pumpkin, carrots, spinach leaves, apricots. Lean varieties of rabbit meat, chicken, and various cereals will also be useful. It is very important to regulate your fluid intake. It is necessary to completely abandon strong tea, coffee, soda water. Rosehip decoction, which contains a record amount of vitamin C, will be useful. Daily rate ordinary water consumed should be at least 1.5 liters.

In order for the blood composition to return to normal, it is necessary to completely exclude the intake of alcohol, including low-alcohol products, and you also need to quit smoking. Walks in the fresh air, as well as the elimination of physical and psychological stress will bring benefits.

It is important to know that with an increased detection of liver enzymes in the blood test, do not hesitate to visit a doctor, since such indicators are an important signal that in the work of the liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas and bile ducts the pathological process begins to develop or is already present, and the sooner a person turns to a specialist for help, the more chances for a successful recovery.