Gamma-glutammiltransferasi (GGT): biochimica clinica e patologia umana (Rassegna)

γ-glutamyltransferase: clinical biochemistry and human pathophysiology. Serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is a sensitive test of liver function, but its clinical use is limited by the low specificity. This paper reviews the biochemical characteristics and physiological functions of GGT, the aspects of serum GGT measurement and the epidemiological and biochemical evidence related to the clinical meaning of serum GGT in human pathology and the role of membrane GGT in tumors. Epidemiological studies have shown that GGT values still within the reference interval are positively associated with the risk of onset and evolution of atherosclerotic process and related diseases, such as hypertension, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The relevance of the predictive value of serum GGT has been recently increased by studies showing the association of GGT concentrations with the risk and prognosis of cancer and renal disease. Serum GGT has also been proposed as marker of exposure to environmental xenobiotics, which may directly induce oxidative stress.