Which of the following is a suburban increase seen in intrahepatic obstruction?

Which of the following is a suburban increase seen in intrahepatic obstruction?

• A. GGT
• B. ALP
• C. Both ALP and GGT
• D. N/A

Answer: (A)

In cases of intrahepatic obstruction, the levels of certain enzymes in the liver become important indicators for diagnosing and understanding the underlying pathology. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is specifically notable for its sensitivity to liver-related conditions, and particularly in intrahepatic cholestasis, GGT levels can rise significantly. This elevation occurs because GGT plays a role in the metabolism of drugs and toxins in the liver and is particularly involved in the transport of amino acids and peptides across cell membranes. While alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can also be elevated in cases of biliary obstruction, GGT is pivotal because it not only indicates liver dysfunction but also helps differentiate liver disease from bone disease when both enzymes are elevated. However, GGT tends to have a more direct correlation with liver cell damage and cholestasis. The rise in GGT is particularly seen in conditions affecting bile flow within the liver. Therefore, in the context of intrahepatic obstruction, an increase in GGT is a characteristic finding that reflects the dysfunction of the liver's ability to process bile, supporting the diagnosis of obstructive liver disease.

In cases of intrahepatic obstruction, the levels of certain enzymes in the liver become important indicators for diagnosing and understanding the underlying pathology. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is specifically notable for its sensitivity to liver-related conditions, and particularly in intrahepatic cholestasis, GGT levels can rise significantly. This elevation occurs because GGT plays a role in the metabolism of drugs and toxins in the liver and is particularly involved in the transport of amino acids and peptides across cell membranes.

While alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can also be elevated in cases of biliary obstruction, GGT is pivotal because it not only indicates liver dysfunction but also helps differentiate liver disease from bone disease when both enzymes are elevated. However, GGT tends to have a more direct correlation with liver cell damage and cholestasis. The rise in GGT is particularly seen in conditions affecting bile flow within the liver.

Therefore, in the context of intrahepatic obstruction, an increase in GGT is a characteristic finding that reflects the dysfunction of the liver's ability to process bile, supporting the diagnosis of obstructive liver disease.