Is 131 a High Level for Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase?

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level is elevated at 131iu/L. GGT is mainly present on hepatocyte membranes and microsomes, participating in glutathione metabolism. The normal range for detection is 10-60iu/L, and anything above 60iu/L is considered elevated. A GGT level of 130iu/L is twice the normal value.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) is widely distributed in human tissues, with the highest concentrations found in the kidneys, followed by the pancreas and liver. During the embryonic period, it is most abundant in the liver. Within the liver, it is primarily distributed in the hepatocyte cytoplasm and intrahepatic bile duct epithelium, and the normal level of γ-GT in serum mainly originates from the liver.

Elevated serum γ-GT activity can be caused by alcohol consumption or long-term use of certain medications such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and antipyrine. Oral contraceptives can also increase γ-GT levels. Clinically, this enzyme assay is primarily used for the diagnosis of hepatobiliary diseases and serves as an indicator of biliary obstruction and hepatitis activity. Common diseases associated with elevated GGT levels include acute and chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, biliary diseases, autoimmune diseases, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, pancreatic disease, prostate cancer, and liver tumors. It is important to identify the underlying cause and treat it accordingly. For those who consume alcohol, it is advisable to abstain.

Clinical Significance of Gamma-glutamyl Transpeptidase

1. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) is distributed in solid organs such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas. In the liver, γ-GT is mainly localized in the canalicular membranes and microsomal fractions of hepatocytes. It can be used for the diagnosis of space-occupying liver diseases and liver parenchymal injuries (such as chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis).

2. Mild to moderate elevations are mainly seen in viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, etc.

3. Alcoholics also have significantly elevated γ-GT levels, which can be used for the diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease.

4. Significantly elevated γ-GT levels are observed in primary or secondary liver cancer, obstructive jaundice, biliary cirrhosis, cholangitis, pancreatic head cancer, and extrahepatic biliary cancer. It has important diagnostic significance in determining whether there is liver metastasis in patients with malignant tumors and whether there is recurrence after liver cancer surgery.

5. In acute hepatitis, the decrease in γ-GT to normal levels is slower than the decrease in aminotransferase levels. If γ-GT remains persistently elevated, it suggests the progression to chronic liver disease. In chronic liver diseases, especially liver cirrhosis, persistently low γ-GT levels indicate a poor prognosis.

6. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase has low specificity as a marker for liver cancer. It can be elevated in acute and chronic hepatitis, obstructive jaundice, biliary infection, gallstones, and acute pancreatitis.