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Aspartate transaminase (AST). Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). If your liver is injured, it releases enzymes into your bloodstream (most commonly ALT or AST).
For example, AST increases with muscle damage such as in a heart attack or muscle trauma. ALP is also produced by bone and in the placenta during pregnancy. ALT is the most specific enzyme to the liver itself. Typical ranges can vary between the sexes, based on age and at different laboratories.
Hepatocellular damage releases ALT and AST. Elevations in ALT generally are more specific for liver injury, whereas elevations in AST can also be caused by extrahepatic disorders, such as...
Common causes of elevated liver enzymes include: Nonprescription pain medicines, particularly acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Certain prescription medicines, including statins, which are used to control cholesterol. Drinking alcohol.
ALT and AST are liver enzymes produced by the liver. If you have high levels of ALT and AST in your blood, it could be a sign of liver disease. The ratio of ALT to AST can help diagnose the underlying cause.
An elevated AST level may be a sign of a liver condition. Liver disease is even more likely when the results of other liver blood tests are also abnormal. Although it’s not as common, elevated AST levels can be caused by cell damage in other areas of your body as well.
AST and ALT are both commonly considered liver enzymes, but there are greater amounts of AST in other parts of your body, such as your heart, skeletal muscles and pancreas. Because of this, ALT is considered to be more directly tied to your liver health, but healthcare providers use both measurements to assess the health of your liver.