GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase). Prices, Reviews, Ratings
In clinical practice, recording GGT activity is a sensitive method for detecting liver, kidney, pancreatic, and other organ pathologies.
In clinical practice, recording GGT activity is a sensitive method for detecting liver, kidney, pancreatic, and other organ pathologies.
What is GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-Glutamyltransferase, GGT), also known as gamma-glutamate transferase, is a heterodimeric protein catalyzing the transfer of the γ-glutamyl segment from a peptide donor (typically glutathione – GSH) to an amino acid acceptor. These enzymes are primarily located in cell membranes, most abundant in renal tubule cells and cavity-lining cells with absorptive/secretory properties. The kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen, brain, lungs, and skeletal/cardiac muscles are key sites of GGT activity.
Indications for GGT Determination
Despite its widespread presence, GGT in serum/plasma primarily originates from the liver. Most GGT fractions bind to high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoproteins, with a small portion free in solution. LDL binding indicates cholestatic syndrome, while HDL binding or free status signals various liver diseases.
GGT is considered in differential diagnosis of liver conditions (viral hepatitis, mechanical jaundice), monitoring chronic hepatitis and myocardial infarction dynamics, tracking prostate/pancreatic cancer progression, and assessing alcoholism therapy.
Elevated levels also occur in obstructive cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, glomerulonephritis, and pyelonephritis.
How GGT Testing Is Conducted
A specialist draws venous blood. Serum or plasma is separated from blood cells (within 2 hours of collection) via sedimentation or centrifugation, ensuring no hemolysis signs.
Quantitative measurement uses test kits with manual techniques or automated analyzers via a kinetic method, employing L-γ-glutamyl-3-carboxy-4-nitroanilide (reagent-1) and glycylglycine (reagent-2) as substrates. GGT accelerates reagent-1 breakdown, transferring the γ-group to reagent-2, forming 3-carboxy-4-nitroanilide (reaction product).
GGT catalytic activity is proportional to reaction product concentration, measured photometrically with a calibration curve at 405 nm wavelength.
Reference GGT levels in blood at 37°C (U/L): men – 11-50, women – 7-32.
Interpretation requires comparing GGT with aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase for a comprehensive patient assessment and treatment adjustment.
Turnaround Time for GGT Testing
Average testing time is 20-30 minutes, varying by preparation method and testing mode (manual or automated).
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