Gamma GT

IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade offers a detailed and precise Gamma GT analysis, which provides key information about the health of your liver and biliary tract. Gamma GT analysis (Gamma-glutamyl transferase) is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring liver conditions, especially when it concerns damage to the hepatobiliary system.

Gamma GT – Definition

GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase) is an enzyme from the peptidase class, integrated into the membrane and plays a key role in transferring the glutamic acid residue to other amino acids or peptides through the process of hydrolysis. This enzyme is also essential in the metabolism of glutathione, an important antioxidant in cells. Gamma-glutamyl transferase is primarily found in:

• kidneys,
• prostate,
• liver,
• epithelium of the small intestine,
• and brain.

GGT is present in places where amino acids are intensively absorbed. It is considered an extremely sensitive indicator of liver disease, although it is also found in the pancreas and kidneys. Primarily localized in the membrane of bile ducts and in the endoplasmatic reticulum of hepatocytes, this enzyme is one of the most sensitive indicators of hepatobiliary diseases. Even minor disruptions in cellular integrity or minimal cholestasis can result in a significant increase in GGT activity in the serum.

When is Gamma GT analysis useful?

GGT is a sensitive indicator of liver disease, with elevated values occurring regardless of the cause of the disease. Combined with increased levels of ALP, GGT blood laboratory analysis can be useful in the differential diagnosis of liver diseases (since elevated ALP levels can also be found in bone diseases). Additionally, the biochemical blood analysis of gamma GT is used to detect alcoholism and monitor the treatment process in alcoholics.

Interpretation of Gamma GT biochemical blood analysis

Very high activities of this enzyme are usually found in patients with obstructive jaundice, with values that can be 5-30 times higher than the upper limit of the reference range. In infectious hepatitis, GGT activity is slightly increased, usually 2-5 times above the upper limit of the reference range. Since GGT is an induced enzyme with a long half-life of 20 days, it makes an excellent indicator of liver damage, for example from alcohol, drugs, or toxins.