Fetal Gammaglutamyl Transferase Activity: Clinical Implication in Fetal Medicine

Abstract

In a retrospective study of 3,129 fetal blood samples, we first determined normal values for gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT) activity and found 33 cases with a mean GGT level of 961.8 U/l (prevalence 1.05%) corresponding to more than 10-fold normal values. In such extreme cases, elevations of GGT activity in fetal blood have been poorly studied. The goal of this work was to correlate this highly abnormal biological finding with pathological fetal conditions and try to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms. The most frequent underlying disorders were infections (n = 11), renal or bowel malformations (n = 12) and genetic abnormalities (n = 5). Two cases of cystic fibrosis and one case of fetal alcohol syndrome were also encountered. In another 2 cases, no explanation was found.

Analysis of blood from Zika virus-infected fetuses: a prospective case series

“…All fetuses had a persistent cholestasis profile occasionally associated with rapidly resolving hepato cellular dysfunction. Similar dysfunction is also observed in other congenital infections (cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis) 34 as well as in other congenital disorders. 35 All fetuses had anaemia (severe in one case).…”

Transferase activity function and system development process are critical in cattle embryo development

“…Genes with transferase activity function were over-represented among the genes differentially expressed between reproductive technologies. This finding is consistent with long-standing and abundant reports of differential expression on genes with transferase activity between abnormal and normal pregnancies (Gibbs et al 1984; Mirlesse et al 1996). The ontology categories and genes identified in this study provide candidates for further defining the differences in embryo viability between reproductive technologies and developmental stages.…”

Review and gap analysis: molecular pathways leading to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

“…The available test is highly sensitive and also moderate drinking behavior (less than 40 g/day) can be detected.Urinary dolichol [27], but questioned by experiments of Stetter et al [28]. Serum γ -glutamyl transferase activity [29]. Certain isoforms of alcohol dehydrogenase and α 1-antitrypsin [30].…”

“…Currently, research on FASD includes too many variable factors that overlap and confound the results to allow drawing clear conclusions. These factors include the following:EtOH intake: amount and timing, drinking behavior (binge or events)Genetic disposition: alleles of ADH, CYP2E1 etc.Epigenetic disposition and modificationsMaternal body profile: age, weightNutrition and lifestyle: amount of antioxidants, fatty acids, iron, exerciseDrugs/medicationComorbidities that involve oxidative stress: cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, toxicity of heavy metals, radiation injury, vitamin deficiency, and inflammation (bacterial or viral infection, autoinflammatory processes) [29]. …”