Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level associated with metabolic syndrome and proinflammatory parameters in the young Roma population in eastern Slovakia: a population-based study

Elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is present approximately in half of all patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to explore the relationship between GGT and MS or proinflammatory parameters. Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants (n = 446) were divided into 2 groups; those with elevated GGT and those with normal GGT levels. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria; presence of central obesity and low density lipoproteins (LDL) or high density lipoproteins (HDL), high triglycerides, hypertension, glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes. Participants were tested for the presence of MS and its components, and biochemical tests for lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TG) and inflammatory parameters (high sensitivity C-reactive protein--hs-CRP and ferritin) were performed. Of 446 Roma participants, only 29 (6.5%) had GGT levels above the normal value. After exclusion of patients with viral hepatitis and alcohol abuse, patients with elevated GGT suffered from MS more often (p < 0.001), and patients with more MS components had a higher risk of elevated GGT. We found a significant association between GGT and the individual MS components, except HDL (waist circumference > or = 94 cm in men or 80 cm in women: p < 0.01; BMI > 30: p < 0.001; fasting glucose > or = 5.6 mmol/l: p < 0.001; arterial hypertension: p < 0.05, and TAG > or = 1.7 mmol/l: p < 0.001). Patients with elevated GGT levels had also significantly higher hs-CRP (hs-CRP > 2 mg/l: p < 0.001; hs-CRP > 3 mg/l: p < 0.001) and ferritin (ferritin > 300 mg/l: p < 0.01) levels. Patients with MS have more significantly elevated levels of GGT. There is a significant association of GGT with individual MS components, except HDL and inflammatory parameters (hs-CRP, ferritin).