Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) is a condition that results from excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time. It is characterized by a buildup of fat, inflammation, and scarring in the liver, which can lead to serious health problems. ALD can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, which can lead to liver failure or death.
When ALD is present, the levels of the enzymes AST and ALT in the blood are often elevated. AST and ALT are enzymes found in the liver, and they are used to measure the amount of damage to the liver. AST is usually higher than ALT in cases of ALD.
Why is AST Higher Than ALT in Alcoholic Liver Disease?
The main reason why AST is higher than ALT in ALD is because of the way alcohol affects the liver. Alcohol consumption causes inflammation in the liver, which can damage the cells. This means that the AST enzyme is released in higher concentrations than the ALT enzyme. This is because the AST enzyme is produced in greater amounts when liver cells are damaged.
In addition, alcohol can also cause an increase in AST levels by increasing the production of the enzyme. This can happen even when there is no damage to the liver cells.
Another reason why AST is higher than ALT in ALD is that AST is more sensitive to alcohol than ALT. This means that it is more likely to be increased by alcohol consumption, even when the liver cells are not damaged.
Treatment of Alcoholic Liver Disease
The most important treatment for ALD is to stop drinking alcohol. This can slow or even reverse the damage done to the liver.
In addition, medications such as corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease. Your doctor may also recommend a balanced diet and regular exercise to improve your overall health.
Finally, liver transplantation may be necessary in some cases of ALD. This is a serious procedure that should only be considered if other treatments have not been successful.
ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme found in the liver, and AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, an enzyme found in the liver. AST is usually higher than ALT in cases of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This is because alcohol consumption causes inflammation in the liver, which can damage the cells, causing an increase in the level of AST. Alcohol can also increase the production of the AST enzyme, even when there is no damage to the liver cells. Treatment for ALD includes stopping drinking alcohol, medications, a balanced diet, and exercise. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
