When and how to test transaminases? Indications and interpretation of results

Proven content

Transaminases are two enzymes: aspartate and alanine, which are abbreviated as AST and ALT. A significantly elevated concentration of these enzymes may indicate liver diseases developing in the body. How to prepare for the transaminase test and how to correctly interpret the obtained results?

What are transaminases?

The concept of transaminases includes two liver enzymes, i.e. aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. These enzymes are also commonly called transaminases. These enzymes are most abundant in the liver, heart muscle and skeletal muscles. In a situation where the liver or muscles are damaged, the transaminases penetrate the blood serum, thanks to which it becomes possible to determine them in the test. Damage to liver or muscle cells may be the result of hypoxia or the action of toxins.

Transaminases – types

As previously mentioned, transaminases are two enzymes:

1. Alanine aminotransferase – it is abbreviated as ALT or ALT. This enzyme is mainly found in the liver, and its increase occurs when there is acute damage to the liver parenchyma. The damage may be the result of viral, drug-induced, or toxic hepatitis. In the case of paracetamol overdose, alanine aminotransferase may exceed the assumed standard even 100 times.
2. Aspartate aminotransferase – it is abbreviated as AST or AST. It is an enzyme that is found in the liver, heart muscle, skeletal muscle, as well as in the kidneys and brain. The concentration of this enzyme increases in acute hepatitis, which is caused by the action of toxins. A high concentration of AST is also found in the event of a heart attack. Aspartate aminotransferase increases in cirrhosis, liver cancer, viral or autoimmune hepatitis, and extrahepatic cholestasis.

Transaminases – indications for research

Your doctor will usually test the levels of both enzymes. This is reflected in the diagnosis of the disease state, in which the ratio of AST to ALT activity is determined. This ratio is called the de Ritis index. The indications for transaminase testing are the following symptoms:

1. pain in the right hypochondrium;
2. jaundice;
3. itching of the skin;
4. nausea;
5. vomiting;
6. flatulence;
7. general malaise;
8. blood clotting disorders;
9. menstrual disorders;
10. utrata libido;
11. enlargement of the mammary glands in men.

Transaminases – how to prepare for research?

The material for testing transaminases is a blood sample. The patient should report on an empty stomach, at least 12 hours after eating the last meal. Before the examination, the patient can only drink pure water or unsweetened, delicate tea. It is not recommended to drink sweet drinks, coffee, energy drinks or juices. Before the test, you must not chew gum, smoke cigarettes or eat pills that refresh your breath.

Transaminases – interpretation of results

The test result for transaminases is interpreted on the basis of the de Ritis index. Determining the value of this ratio is important only when the activity of transaminases exceeds the normal range five times. The norm for both enzymes is 5-40 U / l. A moderate increase in the activity of transaminases, i.e. an increase below 5 times the norm, may indicate:

1. chronic viral hepatitis;
2. fatty liver;
3. hemochromatosis;
4. liver damage from drugs or toxins;
5. autoimmune hepatitis;
6. Wilson’s disease;
7. celiac disease.

Strong elevation of transaminases may indicate cirrhosis of the liver or myocardial infarction.

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.