Relation of serum gamma-glutamyltransferase levels in normal range to metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly Chinese women / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the correlation of serum γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) level in normal range to metabolic syndrome (MS) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese women. Methods Female inhabitants aged 40 years in Nan'an community, Chongqing, were recruited to receive questionnaire interview and physical examination. Blood glucose, lipid, liver and kidney function profiles were also examined. A total of 1308 subjects were involved in our study, and they were divided into four groups according to the γ-GT quartiles. The correlation of MS prevalence, odds ratio and the relation of menopausal status with γ-GT level was analyzed. Results As the quartile of serum γ-GT level increased, the multiple metabolic risk profiles tended to deteriorate, and the number of postmenopausal women increased gradually. From the first quartile to the fourth quartile of γ-GT level, the prevalence of MS was 22.5%, 27.4%, 42.7% and 58.5%, respectively (P<0.01). Compared with those subjects in the first quartile of γ-GT, the MS risks in the fourth quartile increased by 2.92-fold, central obesity by 2.31-fold, high triglycerides by 3.76-fold, hypertension by 1.84-fold, and hyperglycemia by 1.63 fold. The γ-GT levels increased significantly in proportion to the number of elements of MS (P<0.01). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that triglycerides, waist circumference, menopausal status, 2h postprandial blood glucose and body mass index were independent influencing factors of γ-GT levels. Conclusions Serum γ-GT is an independent metabolic risk factor related to woman's menopausal status. An increased γ-GT level in normal range might imply an increased MS risk in middle-aged and elderly Chinese women.