This refers to a group of blood tests that measure the levels of enzymes found in the liver, which help assess its functionality.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme present in various tissues, including the liver, heart, muscle, kidney, and brain. It is released into the serum when any of these tissues are damaged. As a result, AST is not a highly specific marker for liver injury, as elevated levels can also occur due to damage in other tissues.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme predominantly found in liver hepatocytes. It is released into the blood when the liver is injured, making it a specific indicator of liver health and function.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme primarily found in high concentrations in the liver and bone. Smaller amounts are also present in the intestines and placenta, which is why ALP levels can increase during pregnancy. Serum ALP concentration rises when bile ducts are blocked. However, it can also be elevated in conditions affecting the bones, such as Paget’s disease and bony metastases from cancer.
Gamma glutamyl-transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found in the liver but not in bone. It helps determine whether an elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level is due to liver-related issues.
Bilirubin is a product formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin. It is secreted by hepatocytes into the hepatic duct as part of bile and plays a role in fat digestion. Bilirubin levels are elevated in cases of hepatic dysfunction as well as in hemolytic anemia.
Pancreatic enzymes:
Amylase is the most commonly measured enzyme to assess pancreatic function. It is released from the pancreas when the organ becomes inflamed.
Lipase is another enzyme produced by the pancreas and is considered more accurate than amylase for detecting pancreatitis..