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'Gamma glutamyl transferase' ('GGT' or 'GGTP', or 'Gamma-GT') () is a liver enzyme.

Contents

Function

Location

Clinical significance

References

External links

Function

It is involved in the transfer of amino acids across the cellular membrane and in glutathione metabolism.

Location

GGT is found in high concentrations in the liver, bile ducts and kidney.
The enzyme is also present in other tissues, such as the epididymis.

Clinical significance

Its level in the blood may be tested for, as an elevated level may indicate an abnormality in the liver, though this can be caused by a number of conditions including:

★ congestive heart failure

★ cholestasis (congestion of the bile ducts)

★ cirrhosis of the liver

★ Restricted blood flow to the liver

★ restricted venous outflow from liver like Budd-Chiari syndrome

★ Necrosis of the liver

★ Liver tumors

★ hepatitis

★ hepatotoxic drugs
Its levels are increased in chronic and acute alcohol abuse.

References

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External links

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