Alanine Aminotransferease (ALT)
General information:
GOT, ALT is one of the most investigated indicators in the clinical laboratory.
Enzyme transaminase contained primarily in liver cells. In smaller quantities it is found in the heart and skeletal muscles. Its main function is the transfer of amino groups between alpha-amino and alpha-keto acids into hepatocytes. This process is aided by coenzyme pyridoxalphosphate. ALT is predominantly present in the cytoplasm as distinct from AST.
! It is included in all prophylactic packages
In case of suspected liver damage (cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, tumors, after ingestion of hepatotoxic drugs (anabolics, contraceptives, chemotherapy)
- Myocardial infarction
- Muscular diseases, traumas
- Anemic conditions with haemolysis
! Attention: Some drugs may increase the enzyme values temporarily without lasting effects (antibiotics, temperature-reducing, NSAIDs, antidepressants)
Other factors: diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, alcohol abuse also influence these indicators.
The hepatic enzyme value does not always correlate with the severity and prognosis of various liver diseases. Further refinement studies such as coagulation status, albumin, bilirubin, fibrinogen are needed.
The ratio of the values of these enzymes has informative value for the treating physician.
ACAT / ALT = 1, both enzymes are high in acute viral hepatitis, drug or toxic hepatitis
AST / ALT greater than 2: 1 (ACAT is 2-fold higher than ALT) with alcohol impairment
AST> ALT> 1 in cirrhosis of another nature
Sample required:
Venous blood in the morning in fasting
Key words:
SGPT, ALT, AST, SGOT