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World J Hepatol. Apr 27, 2010; 2(4): 143-145
Published online Apr 27, 2010. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v2.i4.143
Published online Apr 27, 2010. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v2.i4.143
Liver function tests: Association with cardiovascular outcomes
Yusuf Yilmaz, Department of Gastroenterology, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Altunizade 34662, Istanbul, Turkey
Author contributions: Yilmaz Y contributed solely to this paper.
Correspondence to: Yusuf Yilmaz, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Altunizade 34662, Istanbul, Turkey. yusufyilmaz@uludag.edu.tr
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Received: November 11, 2009
Revised: March 26, 2010
Accepted: April 2, 2010
Published online: April 27, 2010
Revised: March 26, 2010
Accepted: April 2, 2010
Published online: April 27, 2010
Abstract
An association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease has been repeatedly reported. Several studies have focused on levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in relation to cardiovascular outcomes. Evidence indicates that GGT may have a potential role for cardiovascular risk stratification while the role of ALT for cardiac prognosis remains controversial. A conceptual framework that includes not only GGT and ALT but also markers of hepatocyte apoptosis such as cytokeratin-18 fragments should be developed.