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Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver and other organs like the heart and muscles. Its main job is to help with the metabolism of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins in the body. In medical tests, AST is mostly used to check for liver damage or disease. When the liver is injured or inflamed, AST leaks into the bloodstream, causing higher levels in blood tests. This makes AST a useful indicator for conditions like hepatitis (liver inflammation), cirrhosis (chronic liver damage), and sometimes heart problems or muscle injuries.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in the body can be influenced by several factors. It is primarily found in liver cells (hepatocytes), so liver damage or diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease can cause AST levels to rise as liver cells release AST into the bloodstream. AST is also present in heart muscle cells, so conditions such as heart attacks or cardiac issues that damage heart tissue can elevate AST levels. Additionally, AST is found in skeletal muscles, so injuries or trauma to muscles can also increase AST levels due to muscle cell damage. Certain medications, alcohol abuse, toxins, viral infections, and autoimmune hepatitis are other factors that can affect AST levels by causing stress or damage to liver cells. Monitoring AST levels helps healthcare providers assess liver and heart health, diagnose specific conditions, and evaluate the impact of medications or treatments.
