Relationship Between γ-Glutamyltransferase Levels and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction

Abstract

tions with many cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, as well as future risks of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), HF, stroke, and CVD mortality. 12-16 Therefore, it can be hypothesized that high levels of serum GGT may play a potential role in the development of subclinical LV diastolic dysfunction and LVH. Studies of subclinical HF can provide valuable information on clinical HF outcomes, particularly regarding the early stages of HF free from confounding secondary processes such as chronic liver damage. Only one study found that serum GGT predicted LV dilation and dysfunction in 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction. 17 To date, the relationship between serum GGT levels and LV function has not been studied using large cohorts of healthy adults. Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem associated with high morbidity, mortality and healthcare expenditure. 1-3 Previous studies have demonstrated that subclinical left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and LV hypertrophy (LVH) predict the development of clinical HF. 4-6 Furthermore, LV diastolic dysfunction is associated with increased risk of sudden death, and the presence of LVH is a strong independent risk factor for future cardiac events and all-cause mortality. 7,8 Because of the serious consequences of overt HF, there is substantial interest in developing strategies and identifying potential risk factors to prevent or reduce the progression of LV dysfunction and hypertrophy.Serum γ -glutamyltransferase (GGT) has been widely used as an index of alcohol intake and liver dysfunction. 9,10 Recently, serum GGT was proposed as a sensitive marker of oxidative stress, 11 because it has dose-response associa- Editorial p 783Received October 26, 2016; revised manuscript received January 10, 2017; accepted January 23, 2017; released online Background: The goal of this study was to examine the association of serum γ -glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels with left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and LV hypertrophy.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase as a Risk Biomarker of Cardiovascular Disease ― Does It Have Another Face? ―

“…As well as plaque destabilization by oxidative stress, these authors suggest that such LV remodeling and impaired diastolic function also might be associated with oxidative stress. 12 Despite the accumulated evidence, there are several concerns about using GGT as a risk maker of CVD. First, the serum GGT level may be a marker of alcohol consumption.…”