Liver enzymes diagnose

1. Liver enzymes
What are liver enzymes?
Liver enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in our body. These chemical reactions include
producing bile and substances that help blood clot, breaking down food and toxins, and fighting infection. If
our liver is injured, it releases enzymes into our bloodstream(most commonly AST or ALT)
Two of the common Liver enzymes are known as "AST" and "ALT.“
If the liver is damaged, AST and ALT pass into the bloodstream and AST and ALT values are higher than
normal if our liver is damaged. The damage to the liver can come from viruses, such as the hepatitis C virus,
over-the-counter drugs, and prescription and street drugs.

2. Common liver enzymes and their tests include:
Alanine transaminase (ALT) test or serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)
This test measures the level of alanine aminotransferase. This is an enzyme found mostly in
the liver that is released into the bloodstream after acute liver cell damage. This test may be
performed to assess liver function, and/or to evaluate treatment of acute liver disease, such
as hepatitis. The normal range is 4 to 36 U/L. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among
different laboratories
Aspartate transaminase (AST) test or serum glutamic oxaloacetic
transaminase (GOT)
This test measures the level of aspartate transaminase. This is an enzyme that is found in
the liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart, skeletal muscle, and red blood cells that is released into
the bloodstream after liver or heart problems. This enzyme is released into the bloodstream
after acute liver cell damage. The normal range is 8 to 33 U/L. Normal value ranges may
vary slightly among different laboratories.

3. Serum alkaline phosphatase test.
This test is used to measure the level of alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme) in the blood. Alkaline
phosphatase is found in many tissues, with the highest concentrations in the liver, biliary tract, and bone.
This test may be performed to assess liver functioning and to find liver lesions that may cause biliary
obstruction, such as tumors or abscesses.
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase test.
This test measures the level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. This is an enzyme that is made in the liver,
pancreas, and biliary tract. This test is often performed to assess liver function, to provide information about
liver diseases, and to detect alcohol ingestion.
Lactic dehydrogenase test.
This test can find tissue damage and may assist in the diagnosis of liver disease. Lactic dehydrogenase is a
type of protein (also called an isoenzyme). It is involved in the body's metabolic process. However, this is a
very nonspecific liver test. It is rarely used for liver disease assessment.
5'-nucleotidase test.
This test measures the levels of 5'- nucleotidase (an enzyme specific to the liver). The 5'- nucleotidase level
is elevated in persons with liver diseases, especially those diseases associated with cholestasis. This is
disruption in the formation of, or obstruction in the flow of bile.

4. Results of liver enzyme test
 Low level of liver enzymes in blood:
Usually, this means the liver is healthy. However, a patient may have normal liver enzymes levels but still have
liver damage.
 Higher than normal level of liver enzymes in blood:
This can mean the liver is unhealthy. Patients also can have higher than normal liver enzyme levels related to
problems in other organs, such as their bile ducts

5. .

6. What causes elevated liver enzymes?
 Liver diseases, medical conditions, medications and infections can cause elevated liver enzymes.
 Common causes for elevated liver enzymes include:
 Certain medications, such ascholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) and acetaminophen.
 Fatty liver disease, including alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related conditions.
 Hemochromatosis.
 Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis.
 Herbal supplements and vitamin supplements, like chaparral, comfrey tea, iron and vitamin A.