Saadet AYDIN, Berkay EKİCİ
Cardiovascular Surgery and Interventions - 2026;13(2):91-95
Objectives: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) has emerged as a biomarker reflecting oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation, both of which play key roles in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, its association with angiographic CAD severity, particularly in patients with premature atherosclerosis, remains incompletely defined. Patients and methods: A total of 454 consecutive patients with angiographically confirmed CAD managed with an invasive strategy were included. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum GGT levels and CAD severity assessed by the SYNTAX score, with a particular focus on premature CAD. Patients were categorized into four age groups: <=49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and >=70 years. Demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and laboratory parameters including GGT levels were recorded. Coronary lesion complexity was quantified using the SYNTAX score. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the association between GGT levels and SYNTAX score. Results: GGT levels showed a significant decreasing trend with advancing age (p<0.001). Serum GGT demonstrated a weak but statistically significant positive correlation with SYNTAX score (r=0.136, p=0.05). Notably, patients with premature CAD (<=49 years) exhibited the highest GGT levels compared to older age groups. Conclusion: Serum GGT levels are positively associated with CAD severity as assessed by the SYNTAX score, particularly in patients with premature atherosclerosis. GGT may serve as a simple, widely available biomarker reflecting coronary atherosclerotic burden, with potential utility in risk stratification, especially in younger patients.
