A Comparative Study of Serum Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Level Among Stable and Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patient and Healthy Subjects

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation and frequent exacerbations, with gamma-glutamyl transferase emerging as a potential biomarker due to its association with oxidative stress and inflammation. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in the OPD and IPD of the Department of General Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine at SMS Medical College, Jaipur. The study included 120 participants: 40 patients with stable COPD, 40 with acute exacerbation of COPD, and 40 healthy controls. Participants aged over 40 years, diagnosed with COPD as per GOLD guidelines, were included. Spirometry testing (pre- and post-bronchodilator) was performed to evaluate pulmonary function (FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC ratio). Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were measured, and liver and renal function tests were conducted using blood samples. Results: Significant differences in pulmonary function were found across the groups (P < 0.01), with the AECOPD group exhibiting the lowest values. Serum GGT levels were highest in AECOPD (31.36 ± 6.10 IU/L), followed by stable COPD (23.80 ± 4.0 IU/L), and control (16.16 ± 3.55 IU/L) (P < 0.001). GGT levels correlated significantly with pulmonary function parameters. Conclusion: Elevated serum GGT levels are associated with impaired pulmonary function in COPD patients. GGTmay serve as a potential biomarker for assessing COPD progression, particularly during acute exacerbations.