The relationship between serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level and reported alcohol consumption in healthy men.

Abstract

Increased activity of serum ¾-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) in apparently healthy persons appears to be specific for diseases of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas (1), and several authors (1-4) have suggested that elevated levels are associated with excessive consumption of alcohol. Some researchers (5, 6) have expressed misgivings as to the efficiency of the serum GGTP level as a screening test for alcoholism or excessive drinking. In an earlier study (4) Rollason et al. reported an increase in mean serum GGTP level with increasing daily alcohol consumption, as determined from responses to a computerized medical history questionnaire, and showed a higher proportion of raised serum GGTP levels in the heavy, compared with moderate or social, drinkers. In light of the continuing discussion about the value of the serum GGTP level as a screening test, we have investigated in greater depth the relationship between serum GGT' levels and the quantity of alcohol consumed.