Plasma gamma-glutamyl transferase activity predicts homocysteine concentration in a large cohort of unselected outpatients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and homocysteine in plasma.


METHODS
Combined results of GGT, total homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate and creatinine levels were analyzed in outpatients referred for laboratory testing over the past 5 years.


RESULTS
Cumulative results for homocysteine, GGT, B12, creatinine, folate could be retrieved for 449 outpatients > 35 years old over the study period. The concentration of homocysteine significantly increased among tertiles of GGT activity. In multivariable linear regression analysis, GGT activity was independently associated with homocysteine concentration, independent of age, gender, folate, vitamin B12 and serum creatinine levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma GGT activity might be a useful means to predict homocysteine concentration in the general population.
Lippi
Giuseppe
G
Division of Clinical Chemistry, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy.
Salvagno
Gian Luca
GL
Targher
Giovanni
G
Montagnana
Martina
M
Guidi
Gian Cesare
GC
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood*
D006710:Homocysteine; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase