Aspartate Aminotransferase

Description

A Basic Guide to Grasping Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is a critical endogenous enzyme associated with the catalysis of various important processes inside the body. Generally, enzymes are proteins acting as catalysts by increasing the speed of chemical reactions. AST is particularly significant in the catabolism of amino acids since it catalyzes the conversion of aspartate to α-ketoglutarate in the transamination reaction of glutamic acid. This paper will discuss what AST is, why it is important, where it is found in the body, and why doctors measure the level of AST enzyme in the blood.

AST is an enzyme that converts aspartic acid to another chemical called oxaloacetate, therefore playing an essential role in processing energy in cellular structures. As it stands, the body requires amino acids to be used in one form and this is just among the processes done to use them. AST helps convert one amino acid, aspartic acid, into another chemical and thus into energy inside cells.

A high level of AST found in the liver, heart, muscles, kidneys, and brain as well as in other organs of the body, usually remains intracellular except when the cells are injured or damaged, it leaks into the blood. Hence, it explains why it is so useful for doctors to examine the levels of AST in the blood in order to know whether certain organs are injured.

AST is a part of the very long list of medical tests as it reveals much regarding how functioning or healthy one’s organs are, especially the heart and liver. When cellular damage in these organs occurs, AST leaks into the blood, hence there is an increase in the AST level. For example:

• Liver problem: When infections such as hepatitis damage the liver, as may also be the case with excessive alcohol consumption, or fatty degeneration of the liver, then levels of AST rise usually.
• Cardiomyocyte injury: In the case of heart damage, injured cardiomyocytes release AST into the bloodstream after a heart attack.
• Skeletal muscle injury: In cases of severe muscular injury or myopathic conditions, AST levels may also be increased.

Ast- High AST by itself doesn’t really hone you in on what the problem is because it’s located in many tissues. Other enzymes as well as symptoms are used to determine what is causing the elevation.

¿Cómo se mide la AST?

To test the AST level, a doctor will request a simple blood test known as a liver function test or an AST test, to see how much of the enzyme is in your blood. A small amount of blood— usually, taken from the arm— is sent to the lab for testing. Result will show AST level in U/L (units per litre).

In adults, the typical range of AST levels lies between 10 and 40 U/L. Nonetheless, this is still subject to variation with a different lab. In case your AST level rises above the normal value, then there could be disruption or damage to the liver, heart, or even muscles.

What Makes AST Levels Go Up?

There are many things that can elevate AST levels but a few common ones are:

• Liver diseases include hepatitis (viral or autoimmune), liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, liver cancer, or hepatotoxicity.
• Coronary vessels problems involve myocardial infarctions, cardiac failure, and myocarditis.
• Muscle damage can happen from injuries, hard workouts, muscle inflammation (myositis), or muscle diseases.
• Other conditions can be pancreatitis, diseases of the gallbladder, or certain infections.
• Medications like statins (used to lower cholesterol), antibiotics, or anti-seizure medicines may raise AST levels.

In clinical chemistry, measurement of AST enzyme standard described in International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) helps to normalize the AST with respect to which of the following constituents? In this context, which of the following jointly with IFCC sponsors the George Grӓnfeld Memorial Prize and Lecture in Proteolytic Enzymes?

AST Measure Alone Cannot Diagnose a Disease

AST measure alone cannot say if a person has a disease. Doctors usually test AST along with another enzyme called Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT). If both are high, mostly this is a sign of liver problems because ALT is found mostly in the liver.

Doctors also may consider the ratio of AST to ALT to help them to figure out what may be going on. E.g. if:

• If AST is greater than ALT, the inference may chronicle that the alcohol is damaging the liver.
• If ALT is greater than AST, it may mean you have a viral infection or fatty liver disease.

Doctors may also order additional tests such as bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, or imaging tests like an ultrasound to complete the rest of the picture.

Keeping AST Levels Normal

Caring for your body is a good way to keep AST levels at normal since AST reflects how well your vital organs are working. Here’s what you need to do:

• Don’t drink too much alcohol.
• Eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly but do not over-exert.
• Don’t take drugs or medications without asking a doctor first.
• Control conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes.
• If the doctor prescribes it, then do take the hepatitis vaccine.
• In case you have any heart or liver disease, do follow the instructions of your doctor to take the prescribed medicines.

When Should You Have Your AST Test Done?

If you exhibit symptoms like these, then the doctor would advise you to undergo an AST test:

• Jaundice; that is, yellow color of your skin or eyes
• Feeling tired; weak
• Pain in stomach–on the right upper side mostly
• Being sick (vomiting) for no known reason
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Muscle pain or swelling
• Chest pain or shortness of breath

If you have chronic liver disease or if you just want to monitor the efficacy of certain medications, you may require periodic AST testing.

Conclusion

AST is an enzyme that plays a very important role in the metabolism of your body.