Gama Glutamate Transferase and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Young Adults

Gamma glutamate transferase (GGT) is an enzyme implicated in the pathology of liver, biliary system and pancreas. More recently, its elevated level in the serum has been found to be linked with cardiovascular risk factors. GGT has been considered as 'oxidative stress marker' associated with glutathione metabolism and possibly an 'atherogenic marker' because it relates to the biochemical steps involved in LDL oxidation. GGT in fact is accumulated in the atherosclerotic plaque suggesting a potential role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. High GGT level is also known to be associated with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, obesity and various other vascular complications. Our study aims to explore the adjunct among these various components of cardiovascular disease and GGT level with the hope to prevent unnecessary cardiac events and death in ultimate years. Material and method: In present prospective study 150 paramedical and medical students (including 75 males and 75 females) of Santosh Medical College and Hospital between the age group 18- 25 years have been included, who were non diabetic, nonsmoker and nonalcoholic subjects having no sign hepatobiliary diseases. They were otherwise healthy subjects having no history of long term medication. The blood samples of these students were analyzed for fasting plasma glucose (g/dL) (FPG), lipid status, lipoprotein (a) (mg/dL), GGT (U/L). Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m2) and mean arterial pressure (mm/Hg) (MAP) were also measured using standard protocols. Student t test was used for test of significance and p values were calculated. For exploring the association between serum GGT and other variables Pearson's correlation was used. Conclusion: Raised level of GGT are positively correlated with components of Cardio Vascular Diseases i.e. obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia.