What is AST – Aspartate aminotransferase?
ASAT, Aspartate aminotransferase, is an enzyme found, among other things, inside the cells of the liver. In an inflamed or irritated liver, AST can leak into the blood. It is relatively common to have high liver values as an adult, where AST is one of them, without having symptoms. Most of the time, elevated AST values are temporary and go away on their own unless it is due to an underlying cause of a serious illness.
Why is ASAT analyzed?
Aspartate aminotransferase is analyzed to assess damage to the cells in the body, especially in the liver, heart and skeletal muscles.
What can an elevated value of AST mean?
An elevated AST value can indicate liver damage, skeletal muscle damage, muscular dystrophy and liver fibrosis. In cases of alcohol-related liver damage, it is common for AST levels to increase more than ALT levels.
Cause of inflamed or irritated liver
- alcohol
- obesity and overweight
- certain medicinal and herbal remedies
- viral inflammation of the liver such as hepatitis B and C
