Why in the analysis of blood ggtp can be increased, causes, treatment, rate in women and men. How to decipher the value of GGT in the blood during biochemical analysis? Why is GGT rising

An increase in GGT can be observed with diseases of internal organs, taking alcohol or drugs. Outwardly, this condition may be accompanied by certain symptoms. For example, if gamma-glutamyltransferase is elevated due to liver disease, then nausea, vomiting, itching and yellowing of the skin, darkening of urine, and very light feces may occur.

Elevated GGT levels may not have any symptoms. If other blood tests do not reveal abnormalities, it is possible that this is a temporary increase and the test values return to normal. Of course, this does not apply to those cases when gamma-glutamyltransferase is increased tenfold.

Increased GGT in the blood: what are the reasons

A change in the level of gamma glutamyltransferase can be temporary and return to normal (table with norms) after the causes of such changes are eliminated. These include: taking drugs that thicken bile or slow down the rate of its excretion (phenobarbital, furosemide, heparin, etc.), obesity, low physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, even in small quantities.

A moderate increase in GGT in the blood (by 1-3 times) occurs due to infection with viral hepatitis (sometimes there is an excess of the norm by 6 times), when taking hepatotoxic medications (phenytoin, cephalosporins, oral contraceptives, acetaminophen, barbiturates, estrogens, rifampicin and others) , cholecystitis, pancreatitis, post-hepatic cirrhosis, infectious mononucleosis (accompanied by fever, enlarged lymph nodes).

The reasons for the increase in gamma glutamyltransferase 10 times and higher:

jaundice as a result of a violation of the outflow of bile and an increase in intraductal pressure;
poisoning and toxic damage to the liver;
neoplasms of the liver and pancreas, in men - the prostate;
diabetes;
myocardial infarction;
rheumatoid arthritis;
hyperthyroidism;
chronic alcoholism and a number of other diseases.

With long-term alcohol consumption, the level of GGT is increased by 10-30 times (the ratio of gamma-glutamyltransferase to AST is about 6). The content of this enzyme in the blood is influenced by the amount, duration and frequency of consumption of alcohol-containing products.

After the cessation of regular alcohol intake, the increased GGT index returns to normal. The process of reducing gamma-glutamyltransferase to normal values can take from several days to several weeks of a sober life.

The duration of this period is determined by the type of alcohol consumed previously, its amount, the state of the liver and other organs, as well as how long a person has been drinking and other factors.

Increased GGT and other enzymes (AST, ALT)

Since the increased level of GGT in the blood does not allow an accurate diagnosis of the disease and can be caused by other reasons, the doctor prescribes an additional examination of the liver.

First of all, this is the determination of the level of transaminases - ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), as well as alkaline phosphatase. Comparison of the level of GGT with the content of ALT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood can differentiate some of the diseases (additional examination is required to make an accurate diagnosis).

In particular, if GGT is above 100, ALT is below 80, alkaline phosphatase is less than 200, can be at:

drinking a lot of alcohol;
taking drugs;
diabetes;
inflammatory processes in the digestive tract;
being overweight;
taking certain medications.

GGT in the biochemical blood test exceeds 100, ALT is less than 80 and alkaline phosphatase more than 200 is observed when:

slowing down the outflow of bile against the background of excessive alcohol consumption;
decreased outflow of bile as a result of liver cirrhosis;
obstruction of the outflow of bile due to stones in the gallbladder or compression of the bile ducts by neoplasms;
other reasons.

An increase in the level of gamma-glutamyltransferase to 100, with ALT and AST above 80 and ALP less than 200 may mean:

the presence of viral hepatitis (A, B or C) or the Epstein-Barr virus (sometimes viral hepatitis occurs without an increase in the level of liver enzymes);
excessive influence on the liver of alcohol;
fatty hepatosis.

The GGT index is increased to 100, ALT exceeds 80 and ALP is more than 200. This means that the outflow of bile is difficult, and liver cells are damaged. Among the reasons for this condition:

chronic alcoholic or viral hepatitis;
autoimmune hepatitis;
neoplasms in the liver;
cirrhosis of the liver.

For an accurate diagnosis, an additional examination and an in-person consultation with a doctor are required!

The GGT indicator in the biochemical blood test diagnoses bile stagnation. It is a very sensitive marker for cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts) and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) - it rises earlier than other liver enzymes (ALT, ACT). A moderate increase in GGT is observed in infectious hepatitis and liver obesity (2-5 times higher than normal).

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) is a special enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. Protein levels vary from person to person. It can be slightly increased or decreased, but in any case, it fits within the range allowed by doctors. A deviation from the norm indicates the presence of a certain pathology in the human body.

GGTP is a marker of structural and functional disorders in the liver. In the case of the development of hepatic pathology, the protein level rises to 90% in relation to the norm. Moreover, it is more sensitive to liver and biliary tract diseases than AST or ALT.

When is the analysis scheduled?

An indication for a biochemical blood test of GGTP may be suspicion of the following pathological conditions:

blockage of the bile ducts. The study is relevant in the presence of pancreatic neoplasm or stones in the bile ducts;
biliary cirrhosis. Chronic liver pathology, accompanied by disturbances in the movement of bile within the organ;
sclerosing cholangitis. Chronic liver disease, accompanied by damage to the internal and external bile ducts;
pathology of bone tissue (provided there is laboratory evidence of an increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase);
alcoholic liver damage. In this case, toxic damage to hepatocytes (liver cells) is observed;
cholestasis. Blockage of the hepatic ducts;

jaundice. A condition caused by an increased content of free bilirubin in the blood and tissues;
cholecystitis. Inflammation of the gallbladder;
hepatitis of infectious origin;
fatty liver hepatosis;
liver cancer (primary and secondary - metastatic);
intoxication of medicinal origin;
acute or chronic form of pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas.

The study of blood serum for GGTP can be prescribed in the following cases:

if the patient complains of general weakness, bouts of nausea, soreness in the abdomen, itching, dark urine, discoloration of feces;
as a preparatory stage in preoperative preparation;
in order to assess the general condition of the liver.

In addition, the GGTP analysis is prescribed to assess the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment of the gallbladder or existing hepatic pathology. The test allows you to evaluate the results and make (if necessary) adjustments to the prescribed course.

How to prepare for the test

Venous blood is used as a material for research. In rare cases, capillary blood sampling may be performed. To get the most accurate results, you must strictly adhere to the following recommendations:

blood donation is carried out strictly on an empty stomach. Dinner should be at least 8 hours before going to the lab. It is allowed to drink clean water, but not too much;
the day before the blood test, alcoholic beverages and fatty foods / meals must be completely excluded from the diet;
it is advisable to stop taking any medications. If cancellation is not possible, then you need to warn the treating doctor;
on the eve of donating blood, you must avoid significant physical exertion.

The following procedures can distort the real results:

Ultrasound examination;
chest x-ray;
any physiotherapy;
rectal examination.

Analysis decoding

Testing may show a slight increase or decrease in the enzyme in the blood serum, but the indicator should fit into the reference values. The allowable rate depends on the gender of the patient:

for women - 0-38 units / l;
for men - 0-55 units / l.

In rare cases, the GGTP level in the blood may be 0, but this is an extremely rare result.

Exceeding the reference values

Five pathological processes are capable of causing an increase in GGTP. It:

alcohol poisoning;
growth of neoplasm;
poisoning with medicines;
cytolysis;
cholestasis.

But the following pathologies can become specific reasons that can provoke an increase in the GGTP indicator:

cirrhosis of the liver. Chronic pathology, accompanied by the replacement of fibrous hepatic tissue;
liver cancer. Malignant tumor characterized by damage to the lobes or bile ducts;
stagnation of bile - cholestasis. For this pathology, a decrease in the volume of secreted bile or a complete cessation is typical;
hemolytic jaundice. A condition characterized by active destruction of red blood cells and an increase in free bilirubin in the blood;
acute hepatitis;
pathology of the renal system;

mononucleosis of infectious origin. Acute viral pathology, accompanied by damage to the liver, spleen and lymph nodes;
diabetes. Endocrine pathology, accompanied by disturbances in the processing and assimilation of glucose;
pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas;
pancreas cancer;
oncopathology of the prostate gland;
hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. A condition characterized by the active production of triiodothyronine and thyroxine by the gland;
alcoholism.

Exceeding the permissible norm is recorded in the following cases:

after kidney transplant;
with hyperthyroidism;
while taking certain groups of medications.

Myocardial infarction and bone pathology do not cause an increase in serum GGTP levels. When decoding the analysis, it is important to understand that the level of protein increases with any liver disease. The maximum value of GGTP can be reached when the occlusion of the hepatic ducts occurs. In this case, the permissible rate is exceeded five to thirty times.

High levels of the enzyme are determined with liver cancer. This also applies to primary neoplasia and metastatic cancer. In addition, an increased rate will be observed with cholecystitis, cholangitis and obstructive jaundice. GGTP level readings are more informative than other tests for suspected:

hepatitis of infectious origin;
fatty degeneration of the liver;
drug poisoning;
diabetic keatocidosis.

In this case, an excess of the norm by two to five times is recorded. With diagnosed pancreatitis, cirrhosis of alcoholic origin and cancer of the pancreas, an increase in GGTP is recorded by five to fifteen times. It is especially important to perform blood testing for GGTP with long-term alcohol use.

Decrease in permissible indicators

A reduced value of GGTP is extremely rare, so there are only three reasons for its decrease:

during the period of alcohol addiction treatment. This condition is caused by the absence of ethanol, which is the main stimulator of the production of this enzyme in a drinking person. A drop in protein levels is recorded about a month after the start of therapy;
hypothyroidism. A complex of symptoms caused by a lack of hormones produced by the thyroid gland;
treatment with certain drugs. In particular, the drug Chlobifrate can give such an effect.

The interpretation of the analysis should be dealt with by a specialist, since when interpreting the result obtained, it is necessary to take into account the results of accompanying laboratory tests. If the GGTP reference values are exceeded / decreased, a biochemical blood test should be repeated to confirm the indicators.

A biochemical blood test can tell a lot about the state of the human body. One of the most important indicators is Gamma-GT. It also has other names: gamma-glutamyltransferase, GGTP, and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase.

What it is?

GGTP is a microsomal enzyme involved in the exchange of amino acids. It is present in the membranes and cytoplasm of cells. Its significant concentrations are found in the liver, pancreas, kidneys and prostate in men. Since women do not have a prostate gland, their Gamma-HT activity is 2 times lower. Small amounts of this enzyme are found in tissues other than muscle.

The norms for different research methods differ, but depend on the age and gender of the person. An increase in Gamma-HT is always a sign of trouble. The indicator is of primary importance for the diagnosis of liver diseases, although in the pathology of other organs, the activity of the enzyme can also be increased.

The main reasons for the increase in GGTP activity are:

stagnation of bile - cholestasis;
death of liver cells - cytolysis;
the influence of alcohol;
taking medications;
development of the cancer process;
damage to other organs.

All these changes can be due to external influences, as well as internal causes, leading to damage to the liver and other organs.

Cholestasis syndrome

Liver pathology is often characterized by bile congestion. Cholestasis is the most common cause of increased gamma-HT activity. In this case, the indicator can increase 5 or more times compared to the norm. Cholestasis is characterized by a violation of the formation of bile and its excretion from the biliary system into the duodenum.

If these disorders are associated with the pathology of the liver itself, then they speak of intrahepatic cholestasis. Its reasons may be:

viral hepatitis;
cirrhosis of the liver;
primary and secondary sclerosing cholangitis;
toxic damage (alcoholic, medicinal).

If stagnation is associated with a violation of the excretion of bile from the extrahepatic ducts, then this condition is called extrahepatic cholestasis. The main reasons are:

cholelithiasis;
tumors in the bile ducts;
cancer of the head of the pancreas or stomach, leading to compression of the common bile duct.

Under the action of bile acids, enzymes are released from cell membranes, including gamma-HT. All this begins to flow into the blood. The skin becomes yellow, itching is noted. A number of other symptoms appear. In the blood, in addition to the increase in GGTP, there is an excess of indicators of alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, bile acids. Urobilinogen appears in the urine. ALT and ASAT increase to a lesser extent.

To combat cholestasis, you must first eliminate the cause. If they are stones or tumors, then they should be removed. If necessary, hepatoprotectors are used. To improve the formation and outflow of bile, choleretic drugs are prescribed:

ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursosan);
Hofitol;
Flamin;
Gepabene;
hepatic fees.

Cytolysis syndrome

The death of liver cells is accompanied by the release from them and the penetration of enzymes into the bloodstream, including gamma-HT. Cytolysis is observed with viral and toxic liver damage (alcohol, drugs, toxins). Autoimmune damage is also possible in systemic diseases, for example, in systemic lupus erythematosus. At the same time, antibodies are produced to the liver tissue, which cause negative changes.

But the main role is played by the hepatitis B and C viruses, which may not manifest themselves for a long time. Changes in the biochemical blood test are discovered by chance, and after a series of additional studies, a diagnosis of chronic viral hepatitis is established. If the process is acute, then gamma-HT increases in the blood before aminotransferases (ALT, AST). At the height of the disease, its activity becomes less, but this indicator also normalizes much longer.

Liver damage can be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is the cause of the development of infectious mononucleosis. In this case, inflammation of the pharynx, swollen lymph nodes and fever are characteristic.

Hepatotoxic poisons have a severe damaging effect:

toxins of the pale toadstool;
arsenic;
cyanides;
phenol and its derivatives;
pesticides;
bacterial toxins.

To improve the condition of the liver and bring the enzymes back to normal, it is necessary to find out and eliminate the cause of such changes. In this situation, hepatoprotectors come to the rescue, thanks to which the cell membranes of hepatocytes are restored and the liver function is normalized.

For treatment can be used:

essential phospholipids - Essentiale, Essliver;
essential phospholipids with glycyrrhizic acid - Phosphogliv;
ademetionine - Heptor, Heptral;
ursodeoxycholic acid - Ursosan, Ursofalk;
herbal preparations - Karsil, Silibinin, Legalon.

The influence of alcohol

Alcohol stimulates the production of GGTP. This is in addition to the direct toxic effect. In people who drink a lot and often, the degree of increase in this indicator clearly depends on the amount of ethyl alcohol consumed. This test can be successfully used to detect alcoholism, as well as to monitor treatment. In case of refusal from alcoholic beverages for 10 days, the activity of gamma-HT in the blood decreases by 50%.

There is only one recommendation here - to stop drinking alcoholic beverages. Otherwise, alcoholic liver disease will develop, manifested by its fatty infiltration (fatty hepatosis) with subsequent atrophy of the liver cells. The next step is alcoholic cirrhosis. And these are already irreversible changes.

The effect of drugs

Many drugs that have a hapatotoxic effect affect the increase in the formation of the enzyme. These include:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - paracetamol, indomethacin, nimesulide, aspirin, diclofenac;
antibiotics - amoxiclav, tetracycline, doxycycline, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, nitrofurans, sulfonamides, cephalosporins;
anti-tuberculosis drugs - isoniazid, rifampicin;
hormonal agents - estrogens, androgens, anabolic steroids, corticosteroids;
antipsychotics - chlorpromazine, haloperidol;
barbiturates - phenobarbital;
anticonvulsants - benzonal, carbamazepine, diazepam;
antineoplastic drugs;
antifungal agents - amphotericin, griseofulvin, ketoconazole, fluconazole;
drugs for anesthesia - ethers, halothane, chloroform;
cardiovascular drugs - anticoagulants, nifedipine, captopril, diuretics, enalapril, amiodarone, losartan, antianginal, statins;
other groups - azathioprine, allopurinol, methotrexate.

This is not the whole list. Induction of liver enzymes is often combined with direct toxicity and cholestasis. If, against the background of treatment, an increase in the activity of liver enzymes is found, then the drug is canceled and replaced with another. Hepatoprotectors help restore impaired liver function.

Tumor lesion

A significant increase in GGTP is observed in liver cancer, both primary and with the appearance of metastases. The enzyme activity can be increased in cancer of the pancreas, as well as prostate cancer in men. This indicator decreases during the period of remission, increases with the progression of the disease.

The increase in gamma-HT is due to many factors: cell death, stagnation within the ducts, and toxic effects against the background of cancer intoxication.

There is only one way out of the situation - the treatment of cancer by surgery or with the help of chemotherapy. But chemotherapy itself can cause an increase in the activity of liver enzymes.

Other reasons

Since the enzyme is present in most organs, its increase can be observed in various diseases:

Inflammation of the pancreas - pancreatitis.
Diabetes mellitus, which is often associated with the pathology of the pancreas.
Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland - thyrotoxicosis.
Severe heart failure, in which congestion develops and cardiac cirrhosis of the liver is formed.
Kidney disease: glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome, pyelonephritis, renal failure.
Neurological diseases.
Injuries.
Diseases of the brain.
Burn (peak increase in gamma-HT after about 10 days).
Taking hormonal drugs for the thyroid gland.

And yet, the determination of gamma-HT is the most sensitive test for liver pathology, even more informative than other markers: ALT, ASAT, alkaline phosphatase. And if it rises, then the reason should be sought first of all here. Monitoring such an indicator can be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

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

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 rate can be the result of taking medications, or caused by other malfunctions in the body - pancreatic cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, prostate or breast cancer, as well as 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 treatment should not be neglected.

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

The metabolism in the body lasts constantly, many processes occur 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. Values also 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 in the right side of the abdomen;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
fatigue;
dark urine, lightening of feces.

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

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

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

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 the 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 indicator of the enzyme level 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 for dark-skinned people differ significantly from those of Europeans.

Obesity can affect blood hormone levels.

The GGT values in the blood for men and boys over 12 years old differ significantly from the values 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 - AST, LDH, ALT and others. The ratio of GGT, AST, ALT is especially important and informative. GGT values vary depending on a number of reasons that are worth looking 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 the indicators even at the initial stage of the disease;
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 levels of GGT in the blood 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 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 the result of the use of drugs such as aspirin, certain hormonal drugs, contraceptive drugs, antidepressants and other drugs. 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 the correct treatment for the organ 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 eliminating 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 the complete rejection of strongly alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks.

General information about the study

Bile is produced in liver cells and secreted through a system of microtubules called bile ducts. They then combine into the hepatic ducts that extend outside the liver to form a common bile duct that drains into the small intestine. Bile is essential for the absorption of dietary fats. Also, some medicinal substances are excreted through the bile. It is formed constantly, but enters the intestines only during and after a meal. When it is not needed, it accumulates in the gallbladder.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is an enzyme that is found in the cells of the liver and biliary tract and is a catalyst for certain biochemical reactions. It is not contained in the bloodstream, only in cells, when destroyed, their contents enter the blood. Normally, some of the cells are renewed, so a certain GGT activity is found in the blood. If many cells die, its activity can increase significantly.

The GGT test is the most sensitive test for bile stasis - cholestasis. The activity of GGT when obstructing the outflow of bile, for example, with stones in the bile ducts, increases earlier than the activity of alkaline phosphatase. However, this increase is nonspecific, since it occurs in most acute diseases of the liver and bile ducts, for example, in acute viral hepatitis or cancer, and usually such a result is not very informative in establishing a specific disease or condition that caused liver damage.

Unlike other liver enzymes, the production of GGT is "triggered" by alcohol, so in those who abuse it, its activity can be increased even in the absence of liver disease. In addition, the production of GGT is stimulated by some drugs, including phenobarbital and paracetamol, so while taking them, you can expect an increase in GGT without damaging the liver.

GGT is also found in the kidneys, spleen, pancreas, brain, prostate, and an increase in its activity is nonspecific only for liver disorders.

What is research used for?

To confirm a disease of the liver and bile ducts, especially if there is a suspicion of blockage of the biliary tract with stones in the bile duct or with a tumor of the pancreas.
To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for alcoholism or alcoholic hepatitis.
For the diagnosis of diseases affecting the biliary tract - primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
To determine whether the increase in alkaline phosphatase activity is caused by liver disease or bone pathology.
To monitor the condition of patients with diseases in which GGT is increased, or to assess the effectiveness of their treatment.

When is the study scheduled?

When performing standard diagnostic panels that can be used during routine medical examinations, in preparation for surgical intervention.
When performing "liver function tests" used to assess liver function.
With complaints of weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain (especially in the right hypochondrium), jaundice, dark urine or lightening of feces, itching.
If you suspect alcohol abuse or when monitoring patients who are being treated for alcoholism or alcoholic hepatitis.