Serum GGT and serum ferritin as early markers for metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Background: In India, the prevalence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is showing an upward trend. Gamma glutamate transferase (GGT) and ferritin increase oxidant stress in the body through their role in glutathione homeostasis and iron metabolism, respectively. The increase in oxidant stress increases the inflammatory load, a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. These parameters are cheap, patient-friendly, and available in routine diagnostic labs compatible for follow-up, relieving the already overburdened healthcare system. Methodology: In a case-control study, samples of 77 cases of metabolic syndrome and 77 age and sex-matched controls were analyzed for serum GGT (by modified IFCC) and serum ferritin (by CLIA). Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 20.0 version. Results: The mean ± SD for ferritin and GGT were 101.58 ± 84.20 ng/dL and 36.67 ± 26.40 IU/L, respectively in cases, whereas in control group these values were 38.38 ± 29.26 ng/dL and 16.5 3 ± 6.79 IU/L ( P < 0.001). Positive and significant correlation was seen between GGT with TG (r-value- 0.376/ P -value-0.001) and GGT with waist circumference (r-value- 0.298/ P -value- 0.022). A positive and significant correlation was seen between GGT and ferritin in cases with an r-value of 0.307 ( P -value - 0.01). Conclusion: The increased values of GGT and ferritin in cases suggest an inflammatory load. The positive and significant correlation between GGT and triglyceride indicates its role in increasing oxidants’ stress leading to inflammation and the development of MetS. The association of ferritin with MetS though insignificant may be considered as a biomarker.

Obese Vegetarians and Omnivores Show Different Metabolic Changes: Analysis of 1340 Individuals

“…More recently, a study evaluated the association between GGT and ferritin in 77 individuals with metabolic syndrome and 77 controls and found a positive association between the increase in the levels of these two markers with the increase in abdominal circumference and serum triglyceride levels. The authors suggest the use of these markers in the early assessment of individuals with metabolic syndrome and point to a positive correlation between GGT and triglycerides, indicating their role in oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and the development of the metabolic syndrome [ 70 ].…”

Effects of Increasing Levels of Palm Kernel Oil in the Feed of Finishing Lambs

“…According to Mayes and Botham [ 43 ], the presence of saturated fatty acid sources, such as PKO, in the diet promotes the formation of smaller VLDL particles, which are used by the extrahepatic tissues more slowly when compared to larger particles, and the decrease in absorption rates by the tissues could increase circulating cholesterol, causing an increase in serum concentrations of this component. The GGT serum concentration was reduced by the presence of palm kernel oil, and this enzyme is normally associated with liver status, being particularly linked to long-term liver injury [ 44 ]. Most likely, this increased dietary lipid content can have positive effects on the liver of lambs; however, all the mean values observed are within the range considered normal [ 45 , 46 ].…”

Advances in the study of heart attack markers

“…Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) [11] ,is a cell surface enzyme that cleaves extracellular glutathione (G-SH) or other γ-glutamyl compounds,whose main role is the availability of amino acids such as cysteine,the maintenance of G-SH homeostasis and the defence of the body against oxidative stress. Studies have confirmed [12][13] ,that serum GGT levels are strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease,stroke and acute myocardial infarction,and that patients with high serum GGT levels have higher mortality rates. Inflammatory factors and oxidative stress can trigger an increase in GGT levels.…”