Asth in the blood is a consequence. AST analysis: causes of high or low levels, ways to improve. Why Enzyme Levels Change

Most often, to determine the causes of the disease and make the correct diagnosis, it is sufficient to conduct an analysis exclusively on AST or ALT. Deciphering the biochemical analysis in the case when the norm of the content of enzymes is exceeded indicates the presence in the body of processes associated with damage to certain parts of the liver. Liver damage in this case can be quite diverse. These can be the following processes:

damage to liver cells as a result of alcohol or drug poisoning;
cirrhosis of the liver;
liver damage as a result of exposure to the organ of pathogens of viral hepatitis.

In addition to these factors, an increased rate of AST and ALT is observed as a result of exposure to excessive physical activity on the body, mechanical or ischemic injury to body tissues, in the presence of severe burns.

Indications and interpretation of results

A blood test for AST is performed according to a standard procedure. The material for analysis is blood taken from a vein. The regulation prescribes that the sample is taken in the morning and on an empty stomach.

This means that the day before it is necessary to warn the patient about all the rules. Deviation from the norm can occur in pregnant women and in men after heavy physical exertion.

Indicators will be increased after drinking alcohol. In a real setting, side factors should not affect the reliability of the results.

If the interpretation showed a significant distortion of the data, then it is necessary to re-examine.

A blood test for AST shows the level and activity of the enzyme. Even in cases where the indicators are elevated, this does not mean the presence of a serious pathology.

Decoding is carried out taking into account not only fluctuations in the concentration of AST, but taking into account its relationship with other enzymes.

If the rate of the enzyme contained in the blood is sharply restored, and then drops to zero, then it is highly likely to suspect the presence of a serious pathology in the body.

With such a picture, it is very important to differentiate possible diseases and the next step is to prescribe the appropriate treatment. If a sharp increase in the concentration of AST is detected in a blood test, this means that the following pathologies can develop in the body:

If a sharp increase in the concentration of AST is detected in a blood test, this means that the following pathologies can develop in the body:

myocardial infarction;
hepatitis;
acute pancreatitis;
thrombosis of the pulmonary artery.

With the development of negative processes, enzymes accumulate in skeletal muscles. This means that it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis after the first analysis.

The results obtained in this case serve as markers for more in-depth studies. In particular, this method is used to identify problems with the heart muscle.

A biochemical blood test is able to detect the concentration of AST in the early stages of the development of pathology.

When the level is elevated, it is imperative to evaluate the concentration of other components.

It is important to note that AST and ALT markers do not give a complete picture of the development of the disease, but they are the first to signal the occurrence of a particular pathology. Considering this feature of markers, experts recommend monitoring these indicators in order to carry out deep diagnostics at the first signals in order to identify still hidden pathologies.

Given this feature of the markers, experts recommend monitoring precisely these indicators in order to carry out deep diagnostics at the first signals in order to identify still hidden pathologies.

Increase in ALT and AST

Increase in AST and ALT

– It is necessary to diagnose diseases of the liver or biliary tract, in which specific treatment is indicated (chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, Wilson-Konovalov disease, obstruction of the biliary tract). if the indicators remain abnormal for more than 6 months or during the observation period they worsen further. - ACT and ALT are sensitive indicators of liver damage. Alkaline phosphatase is increased in cholestasis and diseases of the skeletal system.

Increased ALT and ACT causes

- Toxic liver damage (alcohol, anabolic steroids, *estrogens*, drugs). - Obesity and diabetes mellitus (fatty liver). - Heart failure (congestive liver). - Obstruction of the bile ducts. Tumors of the liver. - ACT also increases with damage to the myocardium.

- Initial research. Determination of the content of ALT, Alkaline Phosphatase, GGTP, bilirubin. Determination of prothrombin time, albumin content. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs is recommended. - If the level of transaminases remains elevated for 4-12 weeks, the following studies should be performed. Determination of HBsAg, antibodies to hepatitis C virus, IgG, IgM, IgA, antibodies to smooth muscles, mitochondrial antibodies, serum iron and transferrin levels.

– Alcoholic liver disease can be suspected in the following cases. Daily consumption of more than 40 g of alcohol in women and more than 60 g in men. The ratio of ACT / ALT more than 1.5, an increase in the average volume of erythrocytes, an increase in the level of GGTP. Normalization of liver samples 2 weeks after alcohol withdrawal. The average volume of erythrocytes and the level of GGTP return to normal values later. Liver biopsy is performed to assess the extent of liver damage if laboratory values remain elevated for more than 3 months or there are signs of liver dysfunction, such as a decrease in blood clotting factors (increased prothrombin time) or albumin. The result of a liver biopsy does not affect treatment if there is indeed alcoholic liver disease, it only allows the exclusion of other chronic liver diseases.

– In case of drug-induced liver injury, the suspected drug should be discontinued. The use of some drugs (for example, statins) can be continued while monitoring liver function tests at intervals of 1-3 months.

– Fatty degeneration of the liver can be assumed in: severe obesity (body mass index above 30); diabetes mellitus type II; hyperechoic changes in the liver on ultrasound. A liver biopsy is indicated if the level of transaminases remains elevated for 6 months or more. - Biliary obstruction can be assumed in the presence of: colicky pain in the epigastric region; increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood serum; increase in the level of amylase in the blood serum; stones in the gallbladder, obstruction of the bile ducts (their dilatation), tumors of the liver and pancreas and complications of pancreatitis according to ultrasound of the upper half of the abdominal cavity.

Rare (but often treatable) liver disease

- Chronic autoimmune hepatitis (ALT is usually higher than ACT, high serum IgG levels, the presence of antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to smooth muscles). - Chronic viral hepatitis (HBsAg, antibodies to hepatitis C virus). transferrin saturation over 60%, ferritin). - Wilson-Konovalov's disease (low level of ceruloplasmin).

ALT is significantly increased (more than 3 times compared to the maximum value) - In the absence of clinical manifestations, it is necessary to repeat the analysis after 1-2 weeks and at the same time conduct studies aimed at identifying the cause (see above). - If the patient there are signs such as weakness, itching, jaundice or anorexia, then hospitalization is indicated.

Treatment of elevated ALT and AST levels

To reduce ALT and AST, you need to understand the parameters of the analysis. If the decoding of the analysis in the blood shows deviations, then this will indicate the presence of a particular disease in the body. To lower the level of ALT and AST, you must first remove the source of the disease, due to which there was an increase in the levels of ALT and AST in the blood.

It is necessary to organize a healthy diet

It is important to consume a large number of vegetables and fruits, brown rice will be extremely useful. These foods contain fiber

In addition, you should drink green tea or any herbal teas. They will help not only cleanse the liver, but also normalize the water balance of the whole organism. Tea from dandelion, burdock, milk thistle helps very well. Be sure to take foods that contain high levels of vitamin C. You can drink Revit medicine. For every kilogram of weight you need to drink at least 30 ml of pure water (not juices, drinks and tea). Breathing exercises help a lot. It is important to exercise in the morning or play sports.

It must be remembered that treatment should not be carried out to improve the parameters of the data in the blood test, but in order for the sick person to recover. The doctor should first of all think not about lowering the indicators, but about how to determine the focus of the disease and remove all inflammatory processes. Then the indicators will return to normal.

Given that ATL is elevated only when liver cells are damaged, the doctor must prescribe not only drugs for the treatment of damaged organs, but also those drugs that are called hematoprotectors. They make it possible to protect hepatocytes from the influence of other aggressive factors.

In addition, any doctor must remember that the liver is weakened during this period, it cannot be put at risk, because it can be even more damaged, therefore drugs that have a toxic effect on the liver are strictly prohibited. In other words, you can not use drugs that can cause liver cells to die even faster.

The best hepatoprotectors are those that are developed on a plant basis. These include hepabene, Essentiale H, legalon, tykveol, carsil. These medicines have a positive effect on the liver. First, they protect cells from further damage. Secondly, they have the ability to restore liver cells, that is, those cells that are damaged, but have not yet died, can be restored through the use of these drugs. In addition, they do not have a toxic effect on other organs. These drugs take on some of the functions of the liver, that is, they can perform a secretory function, participate in metabolism, and also perform a disinfecting function, partially destroying toxins in the body of the victim.

Biochemical blood test decoding, norm and deviation from it

In order to obtain accurate results of biochemical analysis for the content of enzymes, decoding should be carried out exclusively by an experienced highly qualified specialist. The norm of the amount of each of the enzymes contained in the blood corresponds to its specific concentration. The content of ALT in the blood ranges from 31 units/l to 41 units/l, depending on the gender of the patient. The norm for women corresponds to the content of ALT in an amount lower than that of men. To obtain accurate results, the ratio of the degree of activity of each of the enzymes is determined. An increase in the coefficient may indicate the emergence and development of prerequisites for myocardial infarction in the patient's body, and with a decrease in this indicator, the development of infectious hepatitis in the body.

Since aminotransferases have different tissue specializations (each of these enzymes is concentrated in a certain type of tissue), a deviation from the norm of the content of one or another enzyme almost instantly signals the presence of diseases associated with certain organs in which the maximum localization of ALT and AST is observed. The interpretation of the analysis can be used as a factor in diagnosing the condition of the heart muscle (myocardium) and abnormalities in the functioning of the liver tissue. In cases where the rate of the enzyme content is increased, there is a suspicion of the presence in the body of any problems in the functioning of certain organs.

In the process of death and destruction of tissue cells that make up the body, enzymes are released into the bloodstream. The concentration of substances increases, which determines the blood test and the subsequent interpretation of the results. Exceeded by 2 or more times the norm of the AST enzyme can be guaranteed to confirm the presence in the patient's body of prerequisites for the occurrence of an attack of myocardial infarction.

In cases where ALT in the blood is elevated, the body, as a rule, develops infectious hepatitis during its incubation period.

If the norm of indicators for AST and ALT is reduced, it can be stated that there is a lack of vitamin B group (giridoxin). However, it is worth remembering that the lack of giridoxin can be caused not only by pathological changes in the body, but also by the process of bearing a child by a woman.

What is the reason for the deviation from the norm of ALT and AST?

The activity of ALT in the blood is directly dependent on the degree and severity of viral hepatitis. The more difficult the situation in the body with the development of the disease, the more elevated the level of ALT activity in the blood. In the event of particularly severe cases, a blood test may show ALT activity that is 5 times or more higher than normal. The use of a biochemical blood test will help identify the disease at the very initial stage of development in the patient's body, i.e. at the moment when the course of the disease passes without clearly expressed symptoms. The AST and ALT blood test allows you to determine with great accuracy the patient's condition and the complexity of the course of a particular disease.

Elevated levels of ALT and AST in the blood during the analysis may be in the case of the occurrence of such diseases in the body as:

cirrhosis of the liver;
liver cancer;
various forms of hepatitis
damage to the liver tissue as a result of toxic and drug poisoning.

In addition, deviations from the norm can cause diseases such as:

pancreatitis;
heart failure or myocardial infarction;
getting burns on large areas of the body;
necrosis of skeletal tissues;
shock states of various nature.

A decrease in ALT below normal is observed with a deficiency in the patient's body of vitamin B6, as well as with damage to the liver tissue as a result of extensive necrosis. As a rule, a decrease in ALT is observed due to the death and destruction of cells that make up the liver tissue and produce ALT.

Signs of an increase in the concentration of enzymes

An increase in ALT and AST is evidence of the presence of pathologies in precisely those organs where their highest concentration is.

Why can alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase increase and how to lower their content?

ALT in the blood shows that the cause of this may be:

liver problems (hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatosis);
pathology of the heart muscle (myocardial infarction, myocarditis, etc.);
diseases associated with injuries or burns;
inflammatory disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Liver problems are not always manifested by pain or other sensations. Symptoms of the pathologies of this organ can be detected already in the later stages. To assess how the liver works, you need to take a test and find out the degree of activity of liver transaminases.

Transaminases act as catalysts in the process of nitrogen metabolism. They are actively involved in the formation of amino acids that occurs in the liver.

An increase in liver enzymes can be observed in some groups of people:

newborns.
Men.
People with increased body weight.

If the increase in ALT and AST occurs quickly, this is a dangerous sign. High levels of AST and ALT are not always associated with liver disease.

The heart can also be affected, this happens due to:

myocardial infarction;
severe attack of angina pectoris.

It happens that AlAt and AsAt are elevated for reasons of a different nature.

This is facilitated by:

Blood poisoning.
Inflammatory process in the gallbladder.
Burns.
Problems with the pancreas.

Based on this, it becomes clear why experts do not consider an increase in transaminases to be a specific test, although they show particular sensitivity to liver pathologies.

And although there are quite a few problems with the liver, the symptoms of these conditions have a lot in common. In this case, there is always an increase in the concentration of liver enzymes.

These symptoms include:

severe weakness;
fast fatiguability;
regardless of the nature of nutrition, nausea and vomiting;
pain in the liver;
an increase in the size of the abdomen;
yellowness of the skin, as well as mucous membranes;
dark color of urine;
light-colored feces;
possible bleeding from the nose and / or stomach.

Changes in the level of liver tests in cirrhosis of the liver

The liver is the body's biochemical laboratory. It performs many important functions, so monitoring the state of this organ is the task of everyone who cares about their health.

What are ALT, AST and bilirubin?

Also important is the ratio of the amount of AST to the content of ALT, it was named after Fernando de Ritis, who first introduced it into medical practice and determined its significance. The method was based on the knowledge that AST and ALT indicators are different in the cells of organs: for example, normally in a person, the liver contains the most enzyme ALT, while the heart contains AST. Thus, the de Ritis coefficient in case of heart diseases rises to a level of 2 and above, in case of liver pathologies, on the contrary, it falls below unity. Normally, it ranges from 0.91–1.75.

It is worth noting that even with liver diseases, a significant increase in AST can be observed in the blood, including the predominance of its amount over ALT. So this ratio should be evaluated in conjunction with other studies.

After penetrating the liver, bilirubin, passing through the biliary tract, reaches the intestine, where it turns into stercobilin, a pigment that stains feces. In the same place, a small amount of it is absorbed into the bloodstream and enters the kidneys, where it becomes urobilin and is excreted in the urine. Bilirubin is free (indirect) and bound (conjugated, direct). In addition to studying each indicator separately, the content of total bilirubin is determined.

Liver tests in cirrhosis

But in the terminal stages of the course of the disease, when there is multiple liver damage, the level of ALT and AST begins to drop rapidly. The reason for such changes lies in the fact that the process of necrosis reaches the stage when the liver cells become almost unable to synthesize these enzymes.

Another dangerous effect of bilirubin is that with the blood flow it can reach the blood-brain barrier, and at certain concentrations it begins to penetrate the central nervous system. Here, its toxic effects can lead to encephalopathy or even coma.

Biochemical blood test: methods and interpretation

You should consult with your doctor before taking any medication. For example, drugs such as paracetamol, birth control pills and aspirin can significantly affect the results. On the appointed day before donating blood, it is forbidden to eat. Coffee and tea are also prohibited, but some water is allowed. A blood test is taken from a vein.

To determine the content of bilirubin in the blood, the so-called Van den Berg reaction is used. It is from the results of this study that free and conjugated bilirubin received their second name. In an aqueous medium, only the conjugated pigment interacts with the reagent (Ehrlich's diazoreactive), which is why it was called direct. Indirect bilirubin begins to bind to the reagent only after the precipitation of proteins, usually this occurs under the influence of alcohol. Then the content of the total pigment is calculated, and by subtracting the already known content of bound bilirubin from this amount, the amount of free bilirubin is determined. This method is not entirely accurate, but due to its availability it is one of the most common.

The level of bilirubin in the blood is measured in mmol / l. In a healthy person, its total content is in the range of 5.1-17 mmol / l. Indirect bilirubin, which circulates in combination with albumin, is 75% of the total - 3.4-12 mmol / l, while direct, neutralized - the remaining 1.7-5.1 mmol / l.

An increase in the total content of this pigment due to free or bound may serve as the basis for a deep check of the state of the liver. In more rare cases, its increase may occur due to the following reasons:

some hereditary pathologies;
problems with the pancreas;
transfusion of incompatible blood;
administration of certain drugs.

But more often it is a direct indicator of cirrhosis or other liver problems.

Also, along with the study of these indicators, an analysis should be taken to determine the level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, albumin and fibrin - they can provide additional information about the patient's condition.

Content standards

In the form of a biochemical blood test, the norms for the content of one or another indicator are often prescribed for the study, so that the patient himself understood whether his transaminase value was increased or decreased. In the column "ALT", "AST" there is no gradation for the indicator "in men" and "in women", as it is written, for example, near hemoglobin. In children at an early age, the values \u200b\u200bof the norm still change, but not significantly.

It's important to know! The norm of ALaT and ASAT indicators depends only on the method by which this analysis is carried out. In order not to be mistaken and not to take the norm for a pathology, it is better to ask a doctor or laboratory assistant.

Most often, the test for GPT and GOT enzymes is done optically, units of measurement are U / L. But there is a unified test, Scandinavian, international.

In adults

For both men and women, the norm of ALT and AST in the blood does not differ, does not depend on age. During pregnancy, the norms do not change in any way - in a pregnant woman, enzyme indicators remain at the same level.

The optimal content of ALT for adult men is up to 41 U / l, for women - up to 31 U / l. AST in adults up to 10-40 U / l, regardless of gender. The data are averaged for each method!

In laboratories, various devices are used to conduct the test, which is why their standards are discussed there. Often they differ from each other. Therefore, it is necessary to check with the norm specifically for this analyzer.

Table 1. Content rateALTand AST in adults, averaged.

On some test systems, the norm values for both indicators reach 56 U / l.

In children

The norm of transaminases in children is somewhat different from that in adults. In newborns, infants, up to a year, these blood counts are increased.

Table 2. AS normT AndALT in children by age.

Reasons for the increase

Quite rarely, there are disorders with an isolated increase in the concentration of ALaT or ASaT. More often, two enzymes rise at once, but one of them predominates in the blood. In the postinfarction period, AST>ALT, viral hepatitis - AST<АЛТ, в то время как гепатит от приема алкоголя имеет соотношение АСТ>ALT.

Increased only AST

The main reasons for the increase in the concentration of AST in the blood:

circulatory failure;
development of acute myocardial infarction;
pulmonary embolism;
lung infarction;
myocarditis.

Elevated only ALT

If there is an increase in the level of ALA, but ASaT remains normal, this may indicate such processes:

damage to the liver tissue due to hepatitis viruses, alcohol, cancer, fatty hepatosis;
inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis);
liver damage after taking various hepatotoxic drugs;
extensive injuries of skeletal muscles;
myocarditis;
deep burns.

joint enhancement

When there is a total increase in transaminases ASAT and ALAT in the blood, then by their ratio one can judge the predominance of damage to one or another organ, which helps in differentiation. For this, the index, or coefficient, de Ritis (DRr) is used.

The de Ritis index is equal to the ratio of ALT to AST.

Normally, in a healthy person, the de Ritis index is 1.33. According to this coefficient, one can judge the development of damage to the liver or heart in the body. If the value is more than 1.33 - the pathology of the heart, less - the liver.

When the coefficient indicator became 1.46 and higher, then with a high probability we are talking about acute myocardial infarction.

The overall picture of the disease is important, which is only supplemented by a biochemical blood test, since the enzymes in question are not specific to a particular tissue.

Symptoms of increased enzymes

There are a number of signs that occur when ASAT and ALAT deviate from the norm. They are nonspecific, but indicate the organ of the lesion. For example, with liver pathology, the following symptoms develop:

heaviness and pain in the right side in the area of the liver;
skin with a yellow tint;
itching without specific localization initially without rashes;
nausea with or without vomiting;
insufficient coagulability;
cycle failures in women;
sleep disturbance;
feeling of constant fatigue, irritability;
rashes in the form of subcutaneous vessels, bruises and hematomas.

There are several degrees of severity of the increase in ALT and AST enzymes. Depending on this, one can judge the extent of damage to the liver tissue.

Transaminase values correlate with the severity of the disease: an increase of 4 or more times indicates an unfavorable outcome in sepsis.

Table 3. The degree of increase in enzymes.

If the de Ritis coefficient exceeded 1.46, then you should wait and pay attention to the following symptoms:

retrosternal discomfort and / or pain;
dyspnea;
violation of the rhythm of the heart;
a feeling of fear accompanies the previous symptomatology;
sometimes the pains extend to the left arm, part of the lower jaw.

What other examinations are needed

An increase in the concentration of ALT or AST in the blood in men and women does not answer the question of a specific disease. This condition accompanies both cirrhosis, liver cancer, hepatitis, and myocardial infarction, so additional laboratory tests and instrumental techniques are needed.

With an increase in enzymes with concomitant symptoms of liver damage, it is also necessary to control:

whether other liver markers increased;
there are antibodies specific for hepatitis A, B, C;
ultrasound data on the hepatic parenchyma, pancreas, biliary tract patency;
blood test for the state of the coagulation system;
if necessary, liver puncture.

Suspicion of damage to heart cells can be checked with the help of:

studies of more specific enzymes of damage to the heart muscle - CPK, LDH, troponin;
Ultrasound of the heart.

How to prepare and donate blood

Most laboratories perform a biochemical blood test, in which AST, as well as ALT, are an important component. To ensure that there are no false values in the analysis, the following rules should be observed:

you can not eat 8 hours before a planned study;
do not take, if there are no indications, medicines;
do not drink alcoholic beverages for at least a week;
on the day of delivery, you can not drink anything other than water;
do not overwork physically.

How to lower ALT and AST

An increase in AST, as well as ALT, indicates organ damage and it is on the underlying disease that therapy should be directed. Treatment depends on the etiology of the liver, heart, muscle, or other tissue disease.

If infection with hepatitis occurs, then pathognomonic therapy is used: a complex of interferons, antiviral, general tonic, hepatoprotectors.
Cirrhosis caused by the intake of alcohol, various drugs, poisoning by poisonous plants or mushrooms, liver cancer often requires an organ transplant.
Obstruction of the biliary tract must be removed by surgery.
Myocardial infarction needs intensive care. Means are used to restore the blood flow of the heart muscle, reduce the energy consumption of the myocardium, and so on.
With myocarditis, antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
The defeat of the skeletal muscles is subject to surgical treatment, excision of inanimate tissue. They restore blood flow and muscle integrity.
Kidney pathologies are treated depending on the nature of the damage.

If the increase in the concentration of enzymes is caused by hepatitis, then hepatoprotectors should be taken.

Preparations

To activate the regeneration of liver cells, reduce transaminases in the blood, hepatoprotectors must be prescribed.

Galstena - homeopathic remedies, used to reduce swelling and inflammation of the parenchyma of the organ.
Gepabene - consists of fumes and milk thistle. These medicinal herbs are known for their hepatoprotective properties, stimulation of the outflow of bile.
Karsin is a popular drug based on milk thistle.
Essentiale is a drug made from phospholipids, which are necessary for the regeneration of liver cells.

conclusions

The enzymes AST and ALAT are found in various tissues and are not specific markers of damage.
AST predominates in the heart cells, ALT - in the liver.
The average rate for ASaT is 40 U / l, for ALAT - 35 U / l.
The norms depend on the method of determination, therefore they may differ.

It is not enough just to study the enzymes AST and ALT to make a diagnosis - other research methods are needed.

Aspartate aminotransferase is a necessary enzyme for the proper metabolism of amino acids. An increase in AST activity is a consequence of pathological changes in the body. If aspartate aminotransferase is elevated, then this indicates the onset of pathological changes, so timely detection will help more likely to avoid the consequences of diseases.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST, AsAT, AST) is an enzyme found in every cell of the body, it takes part in the exchange of vital amino acids. The largest number is located in the heart, liver, muscles and kidneys. The enzyme AST belongs to the class of transaminases. Synthesis of aspartate aminotransferase occurs intracellularly, only a small part enters the bloodstream.

The indicator in the blood test is used to diagnose the myocardium of the heart and liver. Since in a healthy person, AST is located to a greater extent in the tissues, and it enters the blood only when the integrity of the cells is violated, an increased indicator in the analysis will immediately tell in which organs the changes occur.

Blood is taken from a vein in a specialized biochemical laboratory. The analysis must be taken on an empty stomach, for a reliable result, mainly in the morning. Before the study, only the use of water (not sweet, without gases) is allowed. If at least 8 hours have not passed since the last meal before the study, the result may be unreliable. Normal blood counts suggest low levels of aspartate aminotransferase.

The following rules are distinguished:

Children of the first year of life - 27-70 units / l.
1-4 years - up to 59 units / l.
5-13 years - up to 48 units / l.
13-16 years - up to 29 units / l.
Men - up to 41 units / l.
Women - up to 31 units / l.
In pregnant women, ATAS is reduced by about 10%.

In women, ATC activity is lower than in men. During pregnancy, the rate should be lowered. Indications for the study of ATS are pathologies of the liver, muscle damage, examination for cardiac abnormalities, including myocardial infarction. Also, indications for analysis include: jaundice, hepatitis, alcoholism, oncology, mononucleosis, endocrine pathology, autoimmune diseases, various poisonings and intoxications, bilirubin metabolism disorders, kidney damage, cholelithiasis, chronic pancreatitis, chest trauma with suspected heart contusion , assessment of the dynamics of the treatment of heart disease, purulent sepsis and diabetes.

Diseases at a high rate

A value above the norm in the analysis indicates the course of acute or chronic pathologies that are accompanied by necrosis (death of cells, parts of tissue).

If AST is elevated:

The highest AST values are found in viral and toxic hepatitis, with extensive liver necrosis.
With myocardial infarction, the value can increase up to 100 times (3000 units / l). It can also occur during cardiac surgery.
Injuries with liver damage, metastases.
Pancreatitis.
Up to 300 units / l, the value may rise in mild forms of hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
A sharp increase and decrease in AST occurs with obstruction of the biliary tract.
Skeletal muscle injury, myopathy.
Fatty and alcoholic hepatosis.
Heart injury.
Angina.
An isolated increase in AsAT is a consequence of viral hepatitis or an infectious disease.

An additional examination is necessary to make a diagnosis. Only a doctor can prescribe the necessary tests and make a diagnosis. It is important to know that a high aspartate aminotransferase value can be affected by factors that are not associated with diseases.

Reasons for the deviation of the analysis from the norm

Not always an increased result of the analysis means the presence of pathology. If the level is slightly elevated (not several tens of times), then there is no reason to worry about terrible diagnoses. Under certain conditions and the use of certain medications, the level of AST can increase.

Medications include: antibiotics, valerian and echinacea, anabolics, aminosalicylic acid, a large amount of vitamin A. This means that when using any medication, you must inform the doctor about this and, if possible, cancel them.

Excessive physical activity can shift the value of the analysis in a big way. So, at least a day after donating blood, you need to abandon them. The use of alcohol and smoking also affects (it is not recommended to smoke at least half an hour before the study). The level of AST can increase with such physical abnormalities as: burns, heat strokes, poisoning with mushrooms and lead, allergic reactions, various injuries.

By the presence of certain symptoms, an increase in aspartate aminotransferase in the body can be suspected. These include: insomnia, swelling, periodic nausea, increased nervousness, weakness of the body, itching, dark urine, weight loss and lack of appetite, discoloration of feces, yellow spots on the skin, fever.

Of course, the external manifestations depend on the pathology and are very individual. But if several symptoms are noted, then it is necessary to pay attention to them and consult a doctor. Timely detection of diseases at an early stage will help get rid of the disease much more efficiently and quickly.

There are several stages of abnormal aspartate aminotransferase:

The first stage is moderate. The enzymatic index of AST is exceeded by no more than 5 times. The reasons may be taking medications, excessive exercise, obesity.
The second stage is the average increase in AST, about 10 times higher than normal. The most common cause is myocardial infarction, cirrhosis of the liver. It can also be with autoimmune pathologies and muscular dystrophy.
The third stage is severe, an increase of 10 or more times. Talks about malignant tumors and viral hepatitis.

The 3rd stage speaks of serious damage to the organ and often doctors give disappointing forecasts.

Normalization of the AST level

Since a high level of the enzyme is a consequence of organ pathologies, it is necessary to conduct additional examinations and find out the cause of the disease. After the diagnosis is made, the doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment. When the cause is eliminated, the indicator will return to normal.

Self-improvement of the AST value is possible only by diet and lifestyle changes, in addition to the main drug treatment. The first and most important thing is to limit your alcohol intake. If the body is overweight, it is necessary to reduce it. It is important for people with high AST to eliminate fatty foods from their diet. Animal fats significantly overload the liver, which helps to increase the AST enzyme (pork, beef, lamb, dairy products, lard, margarine). Skimmed milk and its derivatives should be preferred, meat dishes should be preferred from poultry, fish and rabbit.

It is important to follow a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Fresh vegetables and fruits will help fight toxins. 2 liters of clean water a day will reduce the burden on the liver and help it work in the right mode.

Regular physical activity will help burn carbohydrates, which will give unloading for the body. If there are contraindications for vigorous activity, walks in the fresh air will also be useful, because. improve blood circulation, which gives good nutrition to the organs.

Aspartate aminotransferase is a vital enzyme, but its value should not exceed the norm. Successful treatment of diseases, the consequence of which is a high value of the blood test for AST, largely depends on the timely treatment of the patient to the doctor. This means that if adverse symptoms are found, you need to contact a medical institution for examination and diagnosis.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme that is found in all cells of the body, but mainly in the cells of the heart and liver, and to a lesser extent in the kidneys and muscles. Normally, AST activity in the blood is very low. When liver or muscle tissue is damaged, it is released into the blood. Thus, AST is an indicator of liver damage.

Russian synonyms

Serum glutamine-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), aspartate transaminase, AST/ALT ratio.

English synonyms

Aspartate aminotransferase.

Research method

UV kinetic test.

Units

U / l (unit per liter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous, capillary blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

Do not eat for 12 hours before the test.
Eliminate physical and emotional overstrain for 30 minutes before the study.
Do not smoke for 30 minutes prior to the study.

General information about the study

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in all cells of the body, but mainly in the heart and liver, and to a lesser extent in the kidneys and muscles. In healthy patients, AST activity in the blood is low and the AST norm has low values. When the liver or muscles are damaged, AST is released, and the level of AST in the blood rises. In this regard, the activity of this enzyme is an indicator of liver damage. Analysis for AST is part of the so-called liver tests - studies that diagnose disorders in the liver.

The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen. It is involved in many important bodily functions - helping with nutrient processing, bile production, the synthesis of many important proteins such as blood clotting factors, and breaking down potentially toxic compounds into harmless substances.

A number of diseases lead to damage to liver cells, which contributes to an increase in AST activity.

Most often, an AST test is prescribed to check if the liver is damaged due to hepatitis, toxic drugs, or cirrhosis. However, AST does not always reflect only liver damage; the activity of this enzyme can also increase in diseases of other organs, in particular, in myocardial infarction.

What is research used for?

To detect liver damage. Typically, an AST test is ordered along with an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test or as part of a general liver function test. AST and ALT are considered the two most important indicators of liver damage, although ALT is more specific than AST. In some cases, AST is directly compared with ALT and their ratio (AST/ALT) is calculated. It can be used to find out the causes of liver damage.
The AST blood count is often compared with the results of other tests, such as alkaline phosphatase (AP), total protein, and bilirubin, to determine the specific form of liver disease.
To monitor the effectiveness of the treatment of liver diseases.
To monitor the health of patients taking drugs that are potentially toxic to the liver. If AST activity rises, the patient may be switched to other medications.

When is the study scheduled?

For symptoms of a liver disorder:
- weakness, fatigue,
- loss of appetite
- nausea, vomiting,
- abdominal pain and bloating,
- yellowing of the skin and eye proteins,
- dark urine, light stool,
- itching.

If there are factors that increase the risk of liver disease:
- previous hepatitis or recent contact with a hepatitis infection,
- excessive alcohol consumption,
- hereditary predisposition to liver disease,
- taking medications that can damage the liver
- overweight or diabetes.
- On a regular basis throughout the treatment process to determine its effectiveness.

What do the results mean?

Reference values (AST norm for men, women and children):

Normally, the activity of AST in the blood is low.

Excessively high AST activity (more than 10 times normal) is usually caused by viral infections. It can also increase significantly as a result of taking drugs or other substances that are toxic to the liver, as well as due to diseases that slow blood flow to the liver (ischemia).

In chronic hepatitis, AST activity usually exceeds the norm by no more than 4 times. It fluctuates between normal and somewhat elevated, so often an analysis is prescribed to determine the degree of the disease. Diseases such as obstruction of the biliary tract, cirrhosis, and some types of liver cancer contribute to a moderate increase in AST. After a heart attack and with muscle damage, AST activity can also increase, usually much more than ALT.

In most liver diseases, ALT activity in the blood is higher than AST activity, so the AST/ALT ratio will be low. However, there are a few exceptions: alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and muscle damage.

Important Notes

During pregnancy, AST activity may decrease.
Intramuscular injections of drugs, as well as intense physical activity, increase the activity of AST in the blood.
In some patients, liver damage and, as a result, an increase in AST activity can be caused by taking dietary supplements. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the attending physician not only about all medications taken, but also about nutritional supplements.

Who orders the study?

Therapist, cardiologist, hepatologist, gastroenterologist, general practitioner, surgeon, pediatrician.