GPT

and Eva Rudolf-Müller, doctor

Dr. med. Mira Seidel is a freelance writer for the medical team.

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Eva Rudolf-Müller is a freelance writer in the medical team. She studied human medicine and newspaper sciences and has repeatedly worked in both areas - as a doctor in the clinic, as a reviewer, and as a medical journalist for various specialist journals. She is currently working in online journalism, where a wide range of medicine is offered to everyone.

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GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase = alanine aminotransferase, ALT) is an enzyme produced in the liver. It is the most important liver value that can provide information about liver function. For example, an increase in GPT (ALT) indicates that the liver is damaged. Here you can read everything you need to know about the laboratory value GPT - what tasks the enzyme has, when it is determined and what exactly changed GPT values ​​mean.

What is GPT

GPT (ALAT, ALT) is the abbreviation for the liver enzyme glutamate pyruvate transaminase. It is also known as ALT or ALAT for alanine aminotransferase.

GPT is involved in the breakdown of proteins. The enzyme is found in high concentrations in the cytoplasm of the liver cells. If the cells are destroyed during illness, it is released and gets into the blood. In addition, glutamate pyruvate transaminase is also found in low concentrations in kidneys, heart and skeletal muscles.

Other liver enzymes

In addition to glutamate pyruvate transaminase, there are other liver enzymes such as GOT and GGT, which are also used to diagnose liver damage. The GPT is 85 percent in the cytoplasm and 15 percent in the mitochondria of the liver cells. In contrast, 80 percent of the GOT is in the mitochondria and 20 percent in the cytoplasm of the liver cells. Because of this contradicting distribution, conclusions can be drawn about the severity of the liver disease based on the blood values ​​GPT and GOT. The so-called De-Ritis quotient is calculated by dividing GOT by GPT. The result is assessed as follows:

• <1.0 indicates a lesser degree of liver damage
• > 1.0 indicates severe liver damage

In summary, this means: If the GOT value is above the GPT value, severe liver damage is assumed.

The GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) also belongs to the liver values. It is mainly located in the cells of the small biliary tract, but also in other organs. GGT is increased in biliary stasis. If all three liver values ​​(GPT, GOT and GGT) are elevated, it is very likely that you have liver disease.

When is the GPT determined?

Glutamate pyruvate transaminase is determined when the doctor suspects a disease of the liver or biliary tract.

Liver diseases are often recognized late because there are no specific symptoms to begin with. Most of those affected show symptoms such as tiredness, poor performance, loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss. Slight liver damage often goes unnoticed for a long time and is often only discovered during a routine examination.

GPT reference values

Glutamate pyruvate transaminase can be detected quickly and easily by the doctor taking blood from the patient's vein and having it analyzed in the laboratory. The liver enzyme is determined in the blood serum or in the plasma. The following measured values ​​are considered normal (measurement at 37 degrees Celsius):

gender	Reference range
women	10 - 35 U / l
men	10 - 50 U / l

When is the GPT value increased?

What to do if the GPT value has changed?

The liver values ​​GPT, GOT and GGT are the most important parameters for assessing the condition of the liver. If the blood count shows GPT values ​​that deviate from the normal range, the doctor will clarify the cause of the liver damage and initiate appropriate therapy. For example, hepatitis is treated with suitable medication. If there is cirrhosis of the liver, the patient should avoid substances that are harmful to the liver such as alcohol and discuss the use of any medication with the doctor. In some cases of advanced liver cirrhosis, a liver transplant is the only chance of a cure.

Since GPT is only slowly broken down, it can be elevated for a while after the cause has been treated.

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