GAMMA-GLUTAMYL TRANSFERASE AS AN INDICATOR OF OBESITY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2016.v9s3.13939Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective: Obesity, characterized by an increase in excessive fat accumulation, represents a social problem worldwide and has been recognized
as a major underlying factor in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a cell-surface protein contributing to
the extracellular catabolism of glutathione. Elevated GGT is strongly associated with obesity and excess deposition of fat in the liver, termed nonalcoholic
fatty liver disease, which is thought to cause hepatic insulin resistance and contribute to the development of systemic insulin resistance
and hyperinsulinemia. Therefore, we have investigated the serum GGT levels in obese individuals and the correlation of serum GGT with body
mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.
Methods: The study was carried out in 100 obese patients and 100 non-obese individuals.
Results: Patients with obesity showed a significant increase in GGT levels when compared to the control group. The mean levels of BMI, WC, total
cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), very LDL-cholesterol, total protein, and aspartate aminotransferase were
found to be significantly elevated in the obese individuals compared to controls. The mean levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol showed a
significant decrease in the obese participants.
Conclusion: Elevated liver enzymes, although in normal ranges, especially at upper quartiles as observed in our study, may play a central role in
early diagnosis of fat overflow to the liver. The findings of our study suggest that serum GGT levels may be a simple and reliable marker of visceral fat
accumulation.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Gamma-glutamyl transferase, Insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome, Obesity.
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