What is the most sensitive marker for alcoholic liver disease?

Gamma Glutamyltransferase (GGT) is the most sensitive marker for alcoholic liver disease because it reflects the level of liver dysfunction and is particularly elevated in the presence of alcohol consumption. GGT is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of glutathione and is found in high concentrations in the liver. Its levels tend to rise in response to liver injury or the presence of toxic substances, including alcohol.

While other liver enzymes, such as ALT, are important for assessing liver function, GGT is more specifically tied to alcohol-related liver issues. Elevated GGT levels can occur even when other liver enzymes are normal, making it a valuable indicator for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of alcoholic liver disease. Moreover, GGT is not influenced by muscle mass, which can sometimes affect other liver enzyme measurements, thus providing a clearer picture in the context of liver disease linked to alcohol consumption.

In summary, GGT's sensitivity to changes induced by alcohol abuse makes it an essential marker in diagnosing and assessing the severity of alcoholic liver disease.