GPT and metabolic syndrome: It is known that the GIT microbiota is a major factor in shifting the host to a metabolically diseased state, and the WD fed groups not surprisingly displayed elevated ALT levels and altered microbial markers, many of which are observed in humans with metabolic syndrome (Ley et al., 2006; Tims et al., 2012; Zened et al., 2012; Marietta et al., 2013; Ubeda et al., 2013).