Can gamma-glutamyltransferase be an additional marker of arterial stiffness?
BACKGROUND
It has been recently suggested that gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is independently associated with cardiovascular mortality and atherosclerosis, so the present study evaluated whether GGT is an additional marker of arterial stiffness, independent of other risk factors, in screening cohorts.


RESULTS
The 1,387 individuals (741 men, 646 women) who underwent brachial - ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement had their serum levels of GGT, creatinine, uric acid, C-reactive protein, lipids, fasting glucose and insulin, and their hepatitis profiles checked. There were statistically significant increments of baPWV according to quartile of GGT, which was statistically significant in women, but not in men. In logistic regression analysis, age, diabetes mellitus, GGT, heart rate, history of hypertension, triglyceride, and systolic blood pressure were significant variables that influenced increased pulse wave velocity (PWV). After age-and blood pressure-adjustment, GGT, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, heart rate, history of hypertension, and metabolic syndrome were significant variables in men, and in women metabolic syndrome and history of hypertension were significant contributors to increased PWV.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study results suggest that serum GGT may be an additional marker of arterial stiffness, especially in men, though the relationship with arterial stiffness was very weak. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of GGT's contribution to arteriosclerosis and to confirm the current results.
Song
Sang Heon
SH
Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Ami-dong, Seo-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea.
Kwak
Ihm Soo
IS
Kim
Yun Jin
YJ
Kim
Seong-Jang
SJ
Lee
Soo Bong
SB
Lee
Dong Won
DW
Lee
Bong Eun
BE
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001158:Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000503:physiopathology; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood*
D015415:Biomarkers; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase