Which enzyme is commonly monitored in individuals recovering from alcoholism?

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is commonly monitored in individuals recovering from alcoholism because it is particularly sensitive to changes in alcohol consumption. Elevated levels of GGT can indicate liver dysfunction and excessive alcohol intake since alcohol can lead to hepatocyte injury and increased enzyme release into the bloodstream.

As individuals recover from alcoholism, monitoring GGT levels can provide valuable insight into liver health and whether they are adhering to sobriety. A decrease in GGT levels over time can suggest improvement in liver function and a reduction in alcohol consumption, making it a useful marker in the context of recovery.

While other enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) can indicate liver function and damage, GGT is specifically associated with alcoholism and liver dysfunction due to its higher sensitivity to alcohol use. Alcohol dehydrogenase, on the other hand, is involved in the metabolism of alcohol but is not typically measured for monitoring recovery from alcoholism. Thus, GGT stands out as the most relevant enzyme in this scenario.