Vijayalakshmi Masilamani1, Poonguzhali Gopinath2, Sangeetha Kandasamy3, Aravind Kumar4
BACKGROUND Metabolic Syndrome (MeS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Elevation of liver enzymes particularly alterations in Gamma-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are observed in metabolic syndrome in response to oxidative stress.
MATERIALS AND METHODS In this case-sectional study, 100 cases of metabolic syndrome and 100 apparently normal healthy subjects in the age group between 25-65 years were included. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, waist/hip ratio and BMI were measured for both the study groups and serum levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, ALT, AST and Gamma-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured using enzymatic methods. Patients with hypothyroidism, malignant disease, severe renal insufficiency, cirrhosis, active liver disease and alcohol consumption were excluded.
RESULTS Among the various biochemical parameters, fasting blood glucose, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL showed statistically significant elevation among the MeS subjects when compared to healthy controls with p value <0.05. The mean values of GGT and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels were statistically significantly higher in MeS group. The mean values of liver enzymes in MeS group, GGT, AST and ALT respectively were 74.77±15.36, 27.3±10.25 and 37.6±6.5.
CONCLUSION
Patients with MeS have more significantly elevated levels of GGT showing a significant association of GGT with metabolic syndrome. Moreover, GGT may play a role in early diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and risk for cardiovascular disease.
