Serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Is Associated with Epicardial Fat Thickness in Middle Aged Women

Abstract

Accumulating data indicate that gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A positive correlation between GGT levels and various cardiometabolic risk factors has been previously found. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between GGT and epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFTT) a marker of visceral adiposity. A total of one hundred five middle-aged (40-60 years) women were included in this cross-sectional study. EFTT was measured using 2-dimensional echocardiography, on the free wall of the right ventricle perpendicularly to the aortic annulus. Biochemical parameters were determined with an automated biochemical analyzer. Values of GGT were logarithmically transformed (log-GGT) because of their skewed distribution. We found that log-GGT correlated with age, body mass index, abdominal circumference, EFTT, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose and uric acid. In multivariate regression analysis, log-GGT levels were independently associated with EFTT (�=0.27, p=0.004), postmenopausal status (�=0.25, p=0.008) and triglycerides (�=0.23, p=0.01). In conclusion, in middle-aged women, GGT independently correlated with EFTT and may be a marker of visceral adiposity and increased cardiovascular risk.