title: Liver markers, prevalence of the metabolic syndrome abnormalities and effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in morbidly obese subjects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the relations between liver markers (GGT, ALT and AST) and the metabolic syndrome (and its components) in morbidly obese subjects, and to determine the response of these metabolic factors and hepatic enzymes after weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was carried out at a university hospital, in Santo André (SP), Brazil. We evaluated 140 morbidly obese subjects aged from 18 to 60 years submitted to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, who were followed for a mean period of 8 months. Patients with a history of heavy drinking, type 1 diabetes, and/or liver disease were excluded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Liver markers, most notably GGT, were strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities, mainly hyperglycemia. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes significantly increased with increasing levels of GGT (highest versus lowest quartile GGT: odds ratio 3.89 [95%CI: 1.07-14.17]). Liver markers significantly decreased 8 months after the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the reduction of GGT levels were associated with the reduction of glucose levels (Pearson r = 0.286; p = 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elevated levels of liver markers, principally GGT, in morbidly obese subjects are associated with metabolic abnormalities. In addition to the well-known benefits of bariatric surgery, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, reduced the levels of liver markers to the normal range.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, Santo André, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Ary
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Serpa Neto
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, Santo André, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Felipe Martin Bianco
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, Santo André, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Rodrigo Dal Moro
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Amarante
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, Santo André, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Marçal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rossi