Are AST and ALT Liver Enzymes the Same?
Liver enzymes, also known as transaminases, are enzymes that are produced in the liver. Two of the most commonly tested liver enzymes are aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). AST and ALT are often referred to as serum transaminases, since they are measured in the serum portion of blood. So, are AST and ALT the same?
AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). It is an enzyme that is found in the liver, heart, muscles, brain, and kidney. It is a transaminase enzyme, which means it helps to transfer amino acids from one molecule to another. AST is released into the bloodstream when the liver or other organs are damaged.
ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, also known as serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT). It is an enzyme that is found in the liver, heart, muscles, brain, and kidney. It is also a transaminase enzyme, which means it helps to transfer amino acids from one molecule to another. ALT is released into the bloodstream when the liver or other organs are damaged.
The answer to the question, "Are AST and ALT the same?" is no. They are both transaminases, but they serve different functions in the body. AST is released when the liver or other organs are damaged, while ALT is released when the liver is damaged. Additionally, AST is found in higher concentrations in the liver, while ALT is found in higher concentrations in the heart, muscles, brain, and kidney.
