GGT

What is GGT?

GGT is a liver and bile-duct enzyme that's especially sensitive to alcohol and fatty liver. It's often the first liver marker to respond to how you've been living lately. A low value goes together with a calm liver and a supple metabolism.

Clinical frame

GGT is a sensitive but non-specific liver marker that is often raised in metabolic fatty liver. A raised GGT is associated with hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance and metabolic dysregulation ^{[1] [3]}.

GGT is, however, not specific to fatty liver and can also rise with alcohol use, cholestasis and certain medication. The value must therefore always be interpreted together with other liver values, metabolic parameters and the clinical context ^[2].

What moves this value?

Alcohol, fat build-up in the liver and excess weight are the usual explanations for a higher value.

A spell with less alcohol, more movement and weight loss often brings this down clearly. Discuss a persistently high value with your doctor.

References

1. Fujii, H. et al. Frequently abnormal serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity is associated with future development of fatty liver. BMC Gastroenterol 20, 217 (2020). doi.org/10.1186/s12876-020-01369-x
2. Brennan, P. N., Dillon, J. F. & Tapper, E. B. Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT) – an old dog with new tricks? Liver Int 42, 9–15 (2022). doi.org/10.1111/liv.15099
3. Petta, S. et al. Serum γ-Glutamyl Transferase Levels, Insulin Resistance and Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Liver Diseases. PLoS One 7, e51165 (2012). doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051165