Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found mostly in the liver. AST is an enzyme important in amino acid metabolism. It is also present in the heart, brain, gall bladder, and other organs.
If liver cells are damaged, AST may be released into the blood. A blood test can therefore detect the problem. It may be helpful to know that aspartate transaminase is another name for the same AST.
When it could be necessary to do an AST blood test?
A blood test for AST may be necessary if you have risk factors for liver disease, such as obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol use, or a family history of liver problems. Also, levels of AST may be checked if you have symptoms that indicate liver problems.
The symptoms may include:
- jaundice,
- tiredness,
- swelling,
- appetite loss,
- itch,
- stomach pain, or
- nausea.
Also, the test may be required if liver health must be monitored. That includes such cases as taking medications that may have side effects on the liver or recovering from liver disease.
What do the AST test results mean?
In fact, there is no universal reference range for Aspartate Aminotransferase. Results may vary depending on the method used in the lab. Moreover, no AST level that is considered normal has been confirmed. Therefore, you should ask your doctor for advice on the results.
Most likely, the doctor will compare the AST level to the levels of other liver enzymes.
The test of AST is often prescribed together with the test of another enzyme, alanine aminotransferase (ALT). This enzyme is more concentrated in the liver; hence a high level of AST and a normal level of ALT may indicate that the problem is in another part of the body, like the pancreas or heart.
Also, having the AST level higher than ALT may be tied with alcohol-related liver disease. In general, very high levels of AST indicate short-term damage, like acute viral hepatitis. Lower but persistent elevations in AST may be a sign of chronic conditions.
Conclusion
To sum up, AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is one of the key proteins. It is mainly found in the liver, and elevated AST levels could indicate liver problems. Interpreting the results of this biochemical analysis may require advanced medical knowledge; therefore, you should always discuss your AST test results with a doctor.
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