The association of alcohol intake with γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels: evidence for correlated genetic effects.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Blood levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) are used as a marker for (heavy) alcohol use. The role of GGT in the anti-oxidant defense mechanism that is part of normal metabolism supposes a causal effect of alcohol intake on GGT. However, there is variability in the response of GGT to alcohol use, which may result from genetic differences between individuals. This study aimed to determine whether the epidemiological association between alcohol intake and GGT at the population level is necessarily a causal one or may also reflect effects of genetic pleiotropy (genes influencing multiple traits).

Methods

Data on alcohol intake (grams alcohol/day) and GGT, originating from twins, their siblings and parents (N=6465) were analyzed with structural equation models. B

SUBMITTER: van Beek JHDA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3909645 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature