Abstract
Background & Objectives: The aim of this study is to know if the liver function tests (LFT), particularly gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), have a analytical value in diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MS).
Methods: A cross-sectional, single-center study was carried out with 500 subjects. While other 250 were sex and age matched healthy control subjects. Blood pressure, liver function tests, fasting blood glucose levels and lipid profile of the subjects were recorded.
Results: The denote values of alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and GGT levels were statistically significantly superior in MS group. The denote values of liver enzymes, for female/ male subjects in MS group, AST; ALT and GGT respectively. When the sample is divided into quartiles of the GGT levels, increase in GGT is positively correlated with increased MS prevalence. In ROC analysis GGT is as strongly associated with the IDF diagnostic components as is each individual IDF component, except elevated systolic blood pressure. In covariance analysis, there was significant relationship between elevated GGT levels and MS presence after adjustment for age, sex and MS diagnostic criteria; but not AST and ALT levels. In multivariance analysis, in MS group, a high GGT was positively associated with CVD prevalance compared to low GGT group independent of age, sex and smoking habits.
Interpretation & Conclusion: Eminent liver enzymes, though in normal ranges, particularly at higher quartiles, play a middle part in early diagnosis of fat overflow to the liver. Concerning the accessibility and ease of these tests in routine clinical practice, they, particularly GGT, have potential to be considered in algorithms for metabolic syndrome.
Keywords: Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST).
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Corresponding Author
Dr Laxminarayan Meena
Sr. Demonstrator, Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India