Gamma-glutamyl transferase activity increases in prehypertensive patients

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the association between serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GGT) levels and prehypertension in a nationally representative sample of Turkish adults. GGT is an enzyme present in serum and most cell surfaces. It is used as an oxidative stress marker. Increased serum GGT levels are implicated in increased blood pressure and the progression of hypertension. GGT may also have a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods: Prehypertension was identified as systolic blood pressure ranging from 120 to 139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mmHg. Enrolled in this study were 23 female and 45 male patients in the prehypertensive group (Group 1; mean age of 44.6 +/- 11.2 years) and 25 female and 43 male patients in the normotensive group (Group 2; mean age of 43.3 +/- 7.0 years). The serum GGT activity of these patients was measured. Results: The mean GGT activities were significantly higher in the prehypertension group than in the control group (24.33 and 18.85 U/L, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Elevated GGT levels in prehypertensive individuals support the idea that these patients are under increased oxidative stress. Even in the prehypertensive stage, it is essential to manage strict cardiovascular risk factor modifications.