What increases the GPT value?

Besides GPT, the GOT is also counted among the group of transaminases. Usually a determination is made together with the value of the GGT. If liver damage is suspected, these values are typically determined.

Damage to the heart during a heart attack can also trigger an increase in the laboratory value. However, since GPT is not specifically found in the liver or the muscles, it is never possible to identify exactly one organ as the cause of an abnormal GPT value. Therefore, an elevated value does not necessarily indicate a disease of the liver.

Compared to the value of the GOT, the value of GPT increases even with slight damage to the liver, since the enzyme is mainly found in the cytosol (cell fluid) and not in the mitochondria. Liver diseases that cause an increased GPT value include in particular viral hepatitis. Depending on the type (hepatitis A-E), this can be strong or weak.

In acute, severe viral hepatitis, liver values such as GPT rise faster and more strongly in comparison than in chronic, less pronounced viral hepatitis. Toxins can also strongly increase the GPT value. The group of toxins that belong to this group includes alcohol and some cytostatic drugs that are used in tumor therapy, among other things.

Furthermore, the so-called aflatoxins belong to this group. These poisons originate from a mould fungus. A further follower of the liver-damaging poisons is the drug of the ovulation inhibitors, which serve the hormonal contraception.

Some poisons like alcohol unfold their damaging effect only after long, massive use. In comparison, substances such as aflatoxins can lead to faster liver damage. In addition, a bile stasis can also lead to an increase in the GPT level.

The cause of a bile stasis is not necessarily the liver. Since the bile flows from the liver to the gall bladder and small intestine, a reduced flow through, for example, a gallstone, which obstructs the bile duct, can lead to a backflow. This backflow can in turn cause severe damage to the liver cells.

Tumors of the liver, fatty liver, fatty liver hepatitis or cirrhosis can also increase the GPT value. In addition, some other organ systems can increase the laboratory value considerably without being in contact with the liver. For example, diabetes mellitus, the so-called diabetes, can increase the GPT value.

A heart attack, some muscle diseases or the regular intake of certain drugs can also cause an increase in the GPT value.

Increased liver values
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C

Damage caused by medication is rare.Among the drugs that increase GPT are mainly those that are broken down in the liver. Even the excessive intake of the affected drugs can damage the liver cells.

The degradation can also produce substances that have a harmful effect on the liver. Furthermore, some drugs can inhibit or completely cancel the activity of liver enzymes. This leads to an accumulation of these substances in the blood and liver.

High concentrations, in turn, have a damaging effect. Among the drugs that cause an increase in the GPT level are, for example, so-called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen. In addition, antibiotics, anti-epileptic drugs such as diazepam or lorazepam or antidepressants can increase GPT levels. The treating physician should always be asked for advice when in doubt.