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Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase level as a risk factor in acute stroke

Quazi M Ismail1, Manoj K Prasad1, Sujeet Marandi1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
|February 16, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are independently associated with stroke risk, even in individuals without a history of alcohol consumption. This finding highlights GGT as a potential biomarker for stroke, independent of traditional risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Biochemistry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability globally, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.
  • Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for stroke, with gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) serving as a marker for excessive intake.
  • The role of GGT as an independent stroke risk factor in non-drinkers remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether serum GGT levels are an independent risk factor for stroke in patients without a history of alcohol intake.
  • To compare GGT levels between stroke patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • An analytical cross-sectional comparative hospital-based study was conducted with 100 stroke patients and 100 age-sex-matched healthy controls.
  • Serum GGT levels were measured and analyzed using SPSS and R studio software.
  • Patients with a history of alcohol intake were excluded.

Main Results:

  • Serum GGT levels were significantly higher in stroke patients (mean 58.30 U/L) compared to healthy controls (mean 17.48 U/L) (P < 0.001).
  • Elevated GGT levels were observed in older age groups (60-80 years) compared to younger groups (40-60 years) (P < 0.01).
  • Serum GGT levels were higher in stroke patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and ischemic stroke.

Conclusions:

  • Serum GGT level is an independent risk factor for stroke, even when other risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are present.
  • While serum GGT levels correlate with stroke, they cannot predict patient outcomes (survival or death).
  • GGT may serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying individuals at increased risk of stroke, irrespective of alcohol consumption.
Abstract

Keywords:
Alcohol ConsumptionGGT (gamma glutamyl transferase)stroke

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