Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Available online 6 Jan 2026 · In press · DOI 10.1080/01443615.2025.2609485
Background The gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (GGT/HDL) has recently emerged as a potential biomarker for metabolic and liver diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between GGT/HDL ratio and endometriosis using a population-based dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).Methods Data from NHANES 1999 to 2006 were used to assess the relationship between the GGT/HDL ratio and endometriosis. The diagnosis of endometriosis was based on self-reported data from the Reproductive Health Questionnaire. The GGT/HDL ratio was calculated and Ln-transformed for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression and sensitivity analysis were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for endometriosis in relation to the GGT/HDL ratio.Results A total of 3815 individuals were included, with 307 diagnosed with endometriosis. The Ln-transformed GGT/HDL ratio was positively associated with the endometriosis. Each unit increase in the Ln-GGT/HDL ratio was associated with a 22% higher likelihood of endometriosis (OR = 1.220, 95% CI: 1.003–1.483, p = 0.046). Sensitivity analyses including the use of original GGT/HDL value, the further adjustments of covariates, the exclusion of those with CVD and liver diseases confirmed the robustness of this association.Conclusions This study found a significant positive association between the GGT/HDL ratio and endometriosis. Higher GGT/HDL levels may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying women at risk of endometriosis.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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