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Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity is increased in patients with calcific aortic valve stenosis

Huseyin Bozbas1, Aylin Yildirir, Ozlem Demir

  • 1Baskent University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey. hbozbas@gmail.com

The Journal of Heart Valve Disease
|August 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is elevated in patients with calcific aortic stenosis (AS), indicating increased oxidative stress. This elevation appears more pronounced in advanced stages of calcific aortic valve disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

  • Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is linked to oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Calcific aortic valve disease shares characteristics with atherosclerosis.
  • The role of GGT in calcific aortic valve disease requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum GGT activity and calcific aortic valve disease.
  • To compare GGT levels in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic valve calcification (AVC) against controls.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of echocardiography data from 383 patients (AS, AVC, and controls).
  • Serum GGT activity and other liver enzymes were measured and compared across groups.
  • Age- and gender-matched controls with normal aortic valve morphology were selected.

Main Results:

  • Serum GGT levels were significantly higher in AS patients compared to controls (median 23.0 U/L vs. 18.0 U/L).
  • Patients with AVC did not show significantly different GGT levels compared to controls.
  • Elevated C-reactive protein was also observed in AS patients.

Conclusions:

  • Serum GGT activity is increased in patients with calcific aortic stenosis.
  • Elevated GGT may indicate more advanced stages of calcific aortic valve disease.
Abstract

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