Bile is formed in the liver cells, which is necessary for the absorption of fats from food and the withdrawal of certain medicinal substances. The process of bile formation is continuous, but it enters the intestine only when eating or after it. The rest of the time it accumulates in the gallbladder. The most sensitive test for stagnation of bile is the GGTP test. What kind of analysis is this, what information does it give and how is it carried out? We will talk about this in this article.
GSTP: general information
In the cells of the liver, as well as the biliary tract, there is an enzyme that is a kind of catalyst for some biochemical reactions. It is called GGTP (gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase) and is found only in cells, upon destruction of which it enters the bloodstream. Since the renewal of part of the cells is a completely normal process, the presence of a small amount of GGT in the blood is acceptable. However, when a significant number of cells are destroyed, a large amount of this enzyme can be released, which is an alarm. This situation indicates the presence of acute diseases of the liver or biliary tract.
The importance of determining GGTP
Diagnosis of GGTP activity (blood test to determine the level of this enzyme) is of great importance for identifying the following processes:
- cholestasis (stagnation of bile);
- cytolysis (cell destruction);
- tumor growth in the liver;
- drug or alcohol intoxication.
Particular attention should be paid to the last point. Alcohol and certain drugs affect the production of GGT. What does it mean? The fact that the amount of enzyme can increase significantly even in the absence of liver disease. And this phenomenon is observed in people who abuse alcohol or take certain types of drugs (for example, "Paracetamol" or "Phenobarbital"). In this regard, the test for GGTP is often used in the treatment of alcoholism.
In addition, the level of this enzyme in the blood is determined for the following purposes:
- to confirm suspicion of obstruction of the biliary tract (in the presence of a tumor of the pancreas or stones in the bile ducts);
- for the diagnosis of sclerosing cholangitis and biliary cirrhosis (primary);
- to determine the cause of an increase in alkaline phosphatase (bone pathology or liver disease);
- to monitor the status and success of treatment of a patient who has an increased GGTP.
We can say about GGTP that it is the most sensitive enzyme to liver and biliary tract diseases. Its level rises faster than alkaline phosphatase, for example. And therefore, it is especially valuable in the diagnosis of certain diseases, when other indicators are "late" or require confirmation.
Analysis purpose
In what cases is a patient prescribed a biochemical blood test (GGTP), by whom and how is it performed? A specialist who should be contacted about gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is a hepatologist. There are several situations where it is important to find out the content of this enzyme in the blood:
1. First of all, a test to determine the level of this enzyme is important when conducting liver tests, which are used to evaluate the functions of this organ.
2. In the presence of nausea, vomiting, constant weakness, abdominal pain, skin itching, lightening feces or darkening of urine, with jaundice.
3. If you abuse alcohol or treat a patient for alcoholic hepatitis.
4. During a routine medical examination or preparation for a surgical operation.
For research, venous or capillary blood is taken. In the process of applying a tourniquet and a puncture of a vein, not very pleasant sensations may arise, which the doctor usually warns about in advance. In addition, in preparation for the diagnosis, the patient is informed of a number of important rules. So, twelve hours before the analysis, it is necessary to stop eating, and half an hour before it - do not smoke, avoid physical or emotional stress. This will get the correct data.
The results of the study and their significance
According to the results of the test, you can see that the GGTP value is elevated or normal. There is no other way, since this enzyme may be completely absent in the blood (initially it is found only in cells), although this happens infrequently. The interpretation of GGTP (its level) is as follows:
- for women, reference values range from 0 to 32-38 units / l;
- for men, this indicator is higher - from 0 to 50-55 units / liter.
The higher their level, the more severe the damage to the bile ducts or liver. Let's look at the most common causes of elevated levels of this enzyme.
Causes of High GGTP
If as a result of the study an elevated level of this enzyme was revealed, then we can talk about deviations from the norm. An increase in GGTP activity may be associated with the following disorders:
- all sorts of lesions of the liver and biliary tract - obstructive jaundice, scars, stones or a tumor in the bile ducts, cancer of the stomach or head of the pancreas;
- cirrhosis - normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, as a result of which the functions of this organ are impaired;
- liver cancer or metastases that have passed to the liver with a tumor of other organs;
- hepatitis (both acute and chronic), including alcohol;
- Infectious mononucleosis;
- autoimmune damage to the bile ducts, leading to primary biliary cirrhosis or sclerosing cholangitis;
- acute inflammation of the pancreas ;
- liver metastases as a result of breast cancer, prostate, lung;
- heart failure and myocardial infarction (with secondary involvement of the liver);
- hyperthyroidism and diabetes.
As you can see, there are many reasons for increasing the level of GGT. One way or another, they are all related to the work of the liver. In addition, this enzyme is found in the pancreas, spleen, kidneys, prostate (although in smaller quantities). Therefore, diseases of these organs also affect its level in the blood. However, an increase in the concentration of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is non-specific only in cases of impaired liver function. The reasons for the decrease in GGTP may be a decrease in thyroid function and decompensated cirrhosis.
Conclusion
In the article, we examined such an important enzyme as GGTP. What it is and why its level is determined, was also told. We learned what can be connected with and what changes in its concentration in the blood indicate, as well as when the analysis for GGTP is prescribed and how it is performed. We hope you find the information useful.