Gamma-glutamyl transferase and metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE To elucidate the mechanism of the reported association between serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity and cardiovascular mortality. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between serum GGT activity and the risk factors for cardiovascular disease was performed. PATIENTS AND MATERIALS Middle-aged Japanese male personnel of the Self-Defense Forces who underwent retirement check-up. RESULTS Serum GGT activity was associated with total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting plasma glucose, total homocysteine and systolic blood pressure. The association remained in the analysis adjusted for possible confounders including cigarette smoking, ethanol consumption and body mass index. CONCLUSION The observed association between serum GGT and cardiovascular risk factors may partly explain the reported relationship between serum GGT activity and cardiovascular disease. Serum GGT activity may be regarded as a marker of cardiovascular risk factors or oxidative stress rather than a mere indicator of excessive ethanol consumption or obesity.