ABSTRACT
Background Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) is associated with pathogenesis of various diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD). GGT activity displays an essential role in the catabolism of glutathione which is reported as a major antioxidant. The aim of this study was to explore the association of GGT activity with obstruction severity of artery in 500 CAD patients. Results Our finding showed a significant association between serum GGT activity and CAD patients. In particular, the level of GGT in patients who had ≥50% obstruction was higher, compared to healthy and patients with less than 50% obstruction in their coronary arteries (the level of GGT in patients with at least one (1 SVD), two (2VD), three (3VD) coronary artery obstruction were 55.6 ± 9.7, 71.7 ± 12.7 and 84.7 ± 13.4, while these values in patients with negative angio or control group were 28 ± 10 and 17 ± 4.6). Furthermore, the activity of this marker was associated with increased the risk of CAD (Odd ratio of GGT in 3VD group: 2, 95%CI: 1.8–2.3), which was also related with HDL-C. Of note, the level of GGT was enhanced progressively with increasing the obstruction severity of arteries. Conclusion We demonstrate the prognostic value of serum level of GGT as a biomarker for predicting obstruction severity in patients with CAD.
ABSTRACT
Background: We have previously reported that serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are affected by a number of factors. In the current investigation we have investigated the association between serum Zn and Cu concentrations and socio-economic factors in an Iranian population. Materials and methods: A Persian sample population (n = 2233; n = 1106 (49.5%) males and n = 1127 (50.5%) females) was recruited by cluster-stratified sampling. Individuals were aged 15-65 years, and included urban and rural residents of the Great Khorasan province, Iran. Anthropometric measurements, serum Zn and Cu analysis and socio-economic status were determined using standard protocols. Results: The mean serum Cu and Zn concentrations for the whole group were 14.7?3.3 ?mol /L (range 4.5-28.4 ?mol /L), and 11.7?1.9 ?mol/L (range 3.6-28.3 ?mol/L) respectively, and the mean serum Zn:Cu ratio for the group was 0.83?0.2. The highest mean copper concentrations were found in the age range 50-59 years (p < 0.01). The total population of urban residents had higher serum zinc (p <0.01) and lower serum copper concentrations (p <0.05) than rural residents. Poorly educated male subjects had significantly higher serum concentrations of copper than males in the other subgroups (p <0.001). Serum Cu and Zn:Cu ratio were associated with height and body mass indices (p <0.01). Conclusion: Low serum zinc and copper appears to be common in Persian individuals. Urbanization and also educational attainment may contribute to changes in serum levels of Cu and Zn. This is probably related to lifestyle habits.