Abstract
Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a marker for hepatic injury and alcohol consumption. However, the association of GGT with the risk of oesophageal carcinoma (OC) has not been fully recognized to date. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between elevated GGT and OC, by also considering the body mass index (BMI) of the subjects. Clinical data from 8,388,256 Korean individuals, who were aged 40 years and over and who received healthcare check-ups arranged by the national insurance program in 2007 and 2008, were analysed. Newly diagnosed OC was identified using claims data during a median follow-up duration of 8.72 years. During the study period, 6,863 individuals (0.08%) developed OC. We found that there was an increased risk of OC in subjects with serum GGT values >18 IU/L. Furthermore, a BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (underweight) was associated with increased OC risk, while a BMI ≥23.0 kg/m2 was associated with a reduced OC risk. Individuals who were both underweight and in the highest GGT quartile (≥40 IU/L) had a far greater risk of OC compared to other individuals (hazard ratio: 3.65, 95% confidence interval: 3.10–4.30). In conclusion, increased serum GGT was associated with an increased risk of developing OC in the general Korean population, regardless of age, sex, smoker status, or alcohol consumption.
Highlights
Oesophageal cancer (OC) is the tenth most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide [1]
The risks of developing OC according to the GGT quartiles and graded body mass index (BMI) are shown in Fig 2; the risk of OC development continuously increased with rising GGT values
In the present study of the general Korean population, we found that the risk of OC steadily increased as the serum GGT level rose above 18 IU/L, even after controlling for confounding factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking
Summary
Oesophageal cancer (OC) is the tenth most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide [1]. OC usually has a poor prognosis, because most lesions are detected at an advanced stage; the tumours can quickly invade and spread into the oesophagus and adjacent organs. Upper gastroendoscopy is commonly performed, it is difficult to detect early-stage lesions. No specific markers for the early detection of OC have yet been discovered.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
