Genetic covariance between gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and fatty liver risk factors: role of beta2-adrenergic receptor genetic variation in twins.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Plasma levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) are associated with risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance (IR), and hypertension. Limited data exist on whether there is genetic covariance between plasma levels of GGT and NAFLD risk factors. Variants of beta2-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB2) have been associated with dyslipidemia, IR, and hypertension, but its effect on GGT secretion is not known. We estimated the heritability of GGT using a twin-study design and examined the genetic covariance between GGT levels, IR, hypertension, levels of low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, and ADRB2 variants.

Methods

We studied phenotypes of 362 twins; the heritabilities of increased GGT activity

SUBMITTER: Loomba R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3038676 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature