The relationship of gamma-glutamyltransferase to C-reactive protein and arterial stiffness.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The relationships between gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and arterial stiffness have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to clarify whether serum GGT is related to CRP and arterial stiffness estimated using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). METHODS AND RESULTS The subjects were 3412 males and 854 females. GGT, CRP, baPWV, and conventional risk factors were evaluated. On multiple regression analysis, after adjustment for the conventional risk factors, log GGT was significantly associated with log CRP in male and female subjects (male subjects: beta=0.168, p<0.0001; female subjects: beta=0.098, p<0.05). After adjustment for the conventional risk factors, log GGT was significantly associated with PWV in male subjects (beta=0.060, p<0.0001), but in female subjects, no significant relationships were found after adjustment (beta=0.007, p=0.82). CONCLUSION These results suggest that GGT is independently associated with an increased level of CRP in both males and females. In addition, in males, GGT is related to an increased level of arterial stiffness.