Transaminase is elevated - what does this mean? Transaminases AlAt and AsAt: what they are, normal levels in the blood test and pathological increase

Nutritional recipes to normalize liver and heart function:

• Dissolve half a teaspoon of turmeric and a tablespoon of honey in a glass of water. Take three times a day.
• Oatmeal with milk will help cleanse the liver of accumulated toxins.
• Juice from freshly squeezed beets.
• A delicious dessert of boiled pumpkin and honey will help remove cholesterol.

Prevention

• Liver disease can be prevented through a special diet that includes foods rich in vitamin D in your diet: milk, eggs, apples, sea fish, caviar, buckwheat and oatmeal. Eating healthy plant foods will help your liver become more resistant to diseases and remove dangerous toxins. Eliminate fatty and salty foods from your diet so as not to overload your liver.
• Give up bad habits: alcohol and smoking.
• Avoid exposure to toxins. They can easily penetrate the body, having a detrimental effect on the liver.
• Do not self-medicate. Uncontrolled use of antibiotics may not bring indicators back to normal, but on the contrary, significantly weaken liver function.

Transaminase is the general name for enzymes found inside the cells of different organs. When tissue is destroyed or damaged, due to injury or pathology, enzymes leave the cells, so their level in the blood increases.

The role of these proteins in the body is very large: they participate in the process necessary for nitrogen and energy metabolism. These enzymes accelerate the transfer of amino groups from amino acids to keto acids.

The content of transminase in the blood is important in diagnosis, since it is a sign of certain diseases. Particular attention in diagnostic practice is paid to two types of enzymes - AST and ALT. Their content in the blood serves as a marker of damage to the liver, heart, and pancreas (the most common cases are hepatitis, myocardial infarction, pancreatitis). Their absolute values ​​and the ratio of AST and ALT levels make it possible to determine the affected organ, track the dynamics of the pathological process and determine the degree of damage.

For biochemical analysis of transaminase, venous blood is taken

ALT

The full name of the enzyme is alanine aminotransferase. From the name it is clear that this protein transports the amino acid alanine. Mainly found in the liver, as well as in the cells of the heart, pancreas, kidneys, and muscles.

Normal in blood

The acceptable values ​​are different for women and men:

• for women the norm is no higher than 32 units/liter;
• for men – less than 40 units/liter.

For children of different ages, the norms are different:

• in the first five days of life – up to 49 units/liter;
• up to six months – 56;
• from six months to a year – 54;
• from one to three years – 33;
• from three to six years – 29;
• from six to 12 – not higher than 39.

Reasons for the increase

A high level of ALT is characteristic of the following pathologies:

• cirrhosis of the liver;
• acute hepatitis (viral, alcoholic);
• acute pancreatitis;
• malignant liver tumor or metastases;
• obstructive jaundice;
• tumor disintegration;
• extensive heart attack;
• heart diseases in which destruction of heart muscle cells occurs (heart failure, myocarditis);
• burns;
• extensive traumatic muscle damage.

A slight increase is observed in the following cases:

• after heart surgery;
• with uncomplicated heart attack;
• chronic hepatitis;
• fatty hepatosis;
• mononucleosis.

In addition to pathological reasons for increased ALT levels, there are physiological ones. These include:

• great physical activity;
• taking certain medications (antibiotics, valerian, echinacea, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, contraceptives);
• taking certain dietary supplements that negatively affect liver cells;
• a slight increase may be observed in pregnant women in the first trimester (this condition is considered normal);
• poor nutrition (presence of fast food, soda, processed foods in the diet).

ALT transaminase in the blood is a marker of liver disease

This indicator is of particular importance in the diagnosis of liver diseases. A high level of ALT is a specific sign of liver pathology. Already 1-4 weeks before the onset of symptoms, an increased content of this enzyme is detected in the blood. In the case of acute liver disease, it exceeds the norm by more than five times. If a high level persists for a long time or increases in the later stages of the disease, this indicates massive destruction of liver tissue.

This indicator allows you to identify such a dangerous disease as cirrhosis of the liver at an early stage. As a rule, this pathology does not have symptoms for a long time, and only with the help of a biochemical blood test based on a high ALT level can such a diagnosis be suspected. In this case, the norm is exceeded, as a rule, three times.

ALT analysis is indicated:

• when diagnosing pathologies of the liver, biliary tract, pancreas;
• to monitor the treatment of viral hepatitis;
• in the differential diagnosis of hepatic and hemolytic jaundice;
• for heart failure and other heart diseases;
• with pathologies of skeletal muscles;
• when examining donor blood.

The test is prescribed for people with the following symptoms:

• constant weakness;
• rapid onset of fatigue;
• poor appetite;
• dark urine and light feces;
• yellowness of the skin and whites of the eyes;
• bloating;
• nausea, vomiting;
• abdominal pain.

An ALT test may be prescribed for people at risk:

• had contact with a patient with hepatitis;
• suffering from diabetes mellitus;
• having excess weight;
• those suffering from alcohol addiction;
• taking medications with toxic effects;
• people with a hereditary tendency to liver disease.

It is important to know that a normal ALT level does not guarantee the absence of liver disease.

AST

AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is involved in the transfer of the amino acid aspartate. Contained mainly in the heart, liver, kidneys, and muscles.

Norm

• for women - from 20 to 40 units/liter;
• for men – from 15 to 31 units/liter;
• in newborns (5 days) – up to 140 units/liter;
• for children under nine years of age - no more than 55.

Elevated levels of AST in the blood are an important diagnostic sign of myocardial infarction

Reasons for the increase

Increased AST activity in the blood is observed in the following cases:

• with hepatitis of various origins;
• myocardial infarction;
• myocarditis;
• inflammation of the heart muscle during acute rheumatic fever;
• liver cancer and secondary tumors in the liver;
• cirrhosis and necrosis of the liver;
• alcoholism;
• autoimmune muscle diseases;
• pancreatitis (acute and chronic);
• cholelithiasis and other pathologies in which the outflow of bile is impaired;
• cholestasis;
• mononucleosis;
• hepatosis;
• burns;
• heat stroke;
• mushroom poisoning;
• injuries.

Most often, the indicator is used to diagnose pathologies of the heart and liver. When the tissues of other organs are destroyed, although its increase occurs, it cannot be considered a specific sign, and therefore does not have much diagnostic value.

During myocardial infarction, AST in the blood increases 5 times and remains at a high level for five days, while ALT increases slightly. If a decrease does not occur after five days, we can talk about a poor prognosis, and if the level increases, the area of ​​necrosis of myocardial tissue has probably expanded.

The AST content also increases with liver tissue necrosis. The higher its value, the more severe the defeat.

How do liver diseases differ from heart attacks?

To find out from a blood test in which organ - the myocardium or the liver - tissue destruction occurs, you need to determine the AST/ALT ratio, the norm of which is 1.3. If the value exceeds 1.3, it is a heart attack; if it is below normal, it is a liver pathology.

Conclusion

Determining the level of transaminase in the blood is of great importance in the diagnosis of certain diseases. ALT content is especially important for identifying liver pathologies of various origins. Increased changes in an indicator such as AST are an important diagnostic sign of damage to myocardial cells during a heart attack.

The abbreviation ALT stands for a blood indicator of alanine aminotransferase enzymes, AST stands for asparagine aminotransferase. AST and ALT indicators are included in biochemical blood test studies.

They were discovered in medicine relatively recently. Blood tests for AST and ALT are carried out together and, accordingly, their norm should be the same and fully depend on each other.

A test indicator such as an increase in ALT and AST in the blood by 2 or more times should make you think about the occurrence of certain diseases. First you need to understand what ALT and AST are. What is the normal level of these compounds in the blood and what should be done if at least one indicator is elevated?

What does an increase in ALT and AST above normal indicate?

In adults, the content of ALT and AST in different organs is not the same, so an increase in one of these enzymes may indicate a disease of a particular organ.

• ALT (ALAT, alanine aminotransferase)- an enzyme that is found mainly in the cells of the liver, kidneys, muscles, heart (myocardium - heart muscle) and pancreas. When they are damaged, a large amount of ALT is released from the destroyed cells, which leads to an increase in its level in the blood.
• AST (AST, aspartate aminotransferase)– an enzyme that is also found in heart cells (in the myocardium), liver, muscles, nerve tissues, and to a lesser extent in the lungs, kidneys, and pancreas. Damage to the above organs leads to an increase in the level of AST in the blood.

Basically, the level of ALT and AST in the blood completely depends on the work of the most important parenchymal organ - the liver, which performs functions such as:

1. Protein synthesis.
2. Production of biochemical substances necessary for the body.
3. Detoxification is the removal of toxic substances and poisons from the body.
4. Storage of glycogen - a polysaccharide that is necessary for the full functioning of the body.
5. Regulation of biochemical reactions of synthesis and decomposition of most microparticles.

Depending on the equipment used to conduct the study, the norms and reference values ​​for enzyme levels may vary. An increase in the rate of enzyme renewal and cell damage lead to an increase in the level of transaminases in the blood.

Reasons for increased ALT and AST

Why are ALT and AST elevated in adults, what does this mean? The most likely cause of elevated liver enzyme levels in the blood is:

1. and other liver diseases (fatty hepatosis - replacement of liver cells with fat cells, liver cancer, etc.).
2. Increased ALT and AST as a consequence of diseases of other organs (autoimmune thyroiditis,).
3. – this is necrosis (death) of a section of the heart muscle, as a result of which ALT and AST are released into the blood.
4. Diffuse liver damage, which can be caused by alcohol, drugs and (or) a virus.
5. Extensive injuries with muscle damage, as well as burns, cause an increase in ALT in the blood.
6. Spicy and...
7. Metastases or neoplasms in the liver.
8. Reaction to medications.
9. Taking anabolic steroids.

AST and ALT are important indicators of the condition of various organs. An increase in these enzymes indicates damage to organs such as the liver, heart, muscles, pancreas, etc. Thus, a decrease in their level in the blood occurs independently when the underlying disease is eliminated.

Prevention

In order to ensure that the norm of indicators does not exceed the permissible limits, it is recommended to avoid long-term use of medications.

If this is not possible due to a chronic disease, then it is better to regularly take an AST test so that it is not elevated or a serious increase is prevented in time. Periodically you need to visit a gastroenterologist and hepatologist, who can identify a possible disease and prescribe treatment.

What to do if ALT and AST are elevated

In order to quickly and objectively understand the true reason for the increase in the levels of activity of the enzymes ALT and AST, it is necessary to additionally undergo biochemical tests.

First of all, it is advisable to determine alkaline phosphatase and GGTP (gamma-glutamyltransferase) and assess the degree of preservation of the main functions of the liver. To exclude the viral nature of liver damage (acute viral hepatitis), which is also accompanied by an increase in ALT and AST in the blood, you will need to donate blood for specific antigens of viral hepatitis and specific antibodies to these antigens.

In some cases, a PCR test of blood serum for the presence of HBV DNA and HCV RNA is indicated.

Transaminases ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are endogenous enzymes that play an important role in the production of various amino acids.

AST transaminase is primarily found in red blood cells, skeletal muscle tissue, and the liver.

Taking samples of various transaminases in the blood and determining their concentrations play an important role in diagnosing and monitoring the development of many diseases. Standard transaminase levels vary depending on the patient’s gender, number of years lived, temperature and body weight, and lifestyle. They are present in small quantities in a healthy body: slightly more in men and slightly less in women.

Elevated AST and ALT levels do not necessarily reflect abnormalities in the body. Medical practice to make a diagnosis requires repeating laboratory tests over several weeks, as well as obtaining a family history and conducting a complete physical examination of the patient. The medical history must include various data:

1. Information about the patient taking medications, including commercial, untested drugs.
2. Information about possible blood transfusion procedures.
3. Information about whether or not the patient had jaundice or hepatitis.
4. Information on familial cases of liver and kidney diseases.
5. Explanations about the presence or absence of pain in the abdominal area.
6. General material about systemic conditions - weight loss or gain, cancer pathologies, diabetes.
7. Material about the patient's sexual activity.

Familial liver diseases include alcoholism, diseases that have complicated the liver, Wilson-Konovalov disease, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Normal values ​​for ALT and AST

In clinical activities, ALT and AST indicators are determined on the basis of biochemical tests. To obtain the most accurate indicators, it is recommended to conduct a blood test in the first half of the day before meals (the recommended period of abstinence from eating is at least 8 hours).

To determine the levels of AST and ALT, venous blood is taken using a thick medical needle.

Normally, ALT and AST levels are not equal for women and men. In patients, the analysis of ALT and AST is considered good if the enzyme concentration is not higher than 31 U/l. In men, ALT transaminase should not exceed 45 U/L, and AST aminotransferase readings should be within 47 U/L. In children of any gender, ALT and AST indicators vary depending on the child’s age, but cannot be higher than critical values: ALT - 50 U/l. Normally, AST should be equal to 140 U/l for children of preschool and primary school age and 55 U/l for children over 9 years old. If AST is elevated, this indicates the presence of a certain pathology.

When studying laboratory tests, the doctor must take into account the capabilities of laboratory equipment and interpret test results based on the standards and capabilities of the laboratory that performed the liver tests.

Why are transaminase levels AST and ALT elevated?

High ALT levels determine pathology in those tissues in which this transaminase is present. In clinical practice, the main reasons that ALT is elevated are:

1. Hepatitis and liver diseases, such as cirrhosis of the liver, fatty steatohepatosis, cancer, etc. With hepatitis types A, B, C, D and E (as well as drug, alcohol, allergic), a huge number of liver cells are destroyed, and therefore ALT immigrates from liver cells into the blood. In a biochemical blood test, an increase in bilirubin concentration is noted against the background of hepatitis development. ALT levels in the blood increase according to the severity of the disease.
2. Myocardial infarction, where there is death of areas of the heart muscle. When pathology occurs, an increased amount of ALT and AST enters the blood.
3. General pathologies of the heart, accompanied by degradation of the heart muscle. The pathology is characterized by an increase in the level of ALT in the blood, which confirms the presence of destructive processes.
4. Injuries with significant muscle trauma, including extensive burns.
5. Acute pancreatitis, accompanied by inflammatory processes in the pancreas. With this pathology, the level of ALT in the blood increases.

Reasons for the increase in AST in the blood

Aspartic transaminase AST increases in diseases of the heart, liver and pancreas. The reasons for the increase may be different:

1. Myocardial infarction is the most common underlying cause of increased AST levels in the blood. When pathology occurs in the blood, AST increases tenfold, and ALT changes only slightly.
2. Inflammatory heart diseases - myocarditis, rheumatic carditis, conditions after just undergone surgery.
3. Serious destructive conditions in the liver are viral hepatitis, alcoholic, drug-induced, allergic, toxic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and similar disorders for which liver tests are taken to diagnose.
4. Extensive burns and serious injuries.
5. Acute and advanced form of pancreatitis.

There is a special case when ALT and AST levels are elevated. Liver tests often show in the blood that in the first period of pregnancy, most women experience a slight increase in ALT. The condition does not prove the presence of disease. If high levels of ALT and AST are detected in the body during pregnancy, this requires an urgent examination for the possible development of liver pathology.

Liver tests: what are they, what tests do they include?

Biochemical blood tests and liver tests can detect high levels of liver enzymes, as well as detect a wide range of substrates and hormones that can be used in the diagnosis or control of the disease and affect the treatment prescribed by the doctor. Liver tests involve taking biomaterial - venous blood. The laboratory technician will use blood serum as the material for analysis. During the tests, the laboratory technician will be able to find out various indicators:

1. Total protein in the blood. An increase in protein concentration in the blood confirms the presence of dehydration processes in the body and the development of chronic inflammatory processes.
2. Albumin concentration. An increase in albumin indicates dehydration in the body and liver failure.
3. Urea concentration.
4. Creatinine concentration. High rates confirm the presence of renal dysfunction, occlusion of the urethra, and rupture of the bladder.
5. ALT. High values ​​confirm the presence of hepatocellular destruction, muscle damage and hyperthyroidism.
6. ALP. High values ​​indicate the presence of bone deposition, liver damage, hyperthyroidism, biliary tract disease, intestinal damage, Cushing's disease, the presence of corticosteroids, barbiturates, and generalized tissue damage (including neoplasms).
7. GDH. High rates diagnose liver necrosis and hepatocellular inflammatory processes.
8. AST. High levels indicate damage to the liver and the presence of hypothyroidism.

Preparation for analysis

The correct behavior of the patient before taking tests can guarantee the reliability of the tests. Therefore, if a patient needs to find out reliable AST and ALT values, he must follow certain rules:

1. Visit (on an empty stomach) the laboratory of a clinic or hospital in the morning.
2. On the day of the test, the patient can drink exclusively unsweetened, still water.
3. Blood must be donated before taking medications prescribed by a doctor. If possible, then no earlier than 7-14 days after their cancellation.
4. The day before the test, the patient should limit the consumption of fried, salty and spicy foods, exclude chocolate, tea and coffee from the diet, and give up any alcoholic and carbonated drinks.
5. A few days before the test, the patient should reduce the intensity of physical activity and give up active sports training.

How to reduce ALT and AST levels?

Transaminases AST, ALT are meaningful medical coefficients showing the healthy or pathological state of human organs. An increase in the concentration of enzymes in the body confirms an infection, injury or age-related damage to organs whose cells have ALT and AST transaminases. A decrease in the concentration of ALT and AST in the blood can be carried out independently, immediately after eliminating the causes of the present disease.