Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
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Latest Edit: Iva Lloyd, ND 2021-08-24 (EDT)
See Also | Lab Tests |
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Aspartate aminotransferase, also known as AST or SGOT, is the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the amino acid L-asparate and α-keto-glutarate into oxaloacetate and L-glutamate., hence the older name SGOT or serum glutamate-oxalocetate tranferase. This test is often used to evaluate coronary artery occlusive disease or suspected hepatocellular diseases.[1], [2]
Discussion
- AST is an enzyme found in cells throughout the body, but mostly in the heart and liver, and to a lesser extent in the kidneys and muscles. AST levels increase when liver cells and/or heart muscle cells and/or skeletal muscle cells are damaged.
- AST is functionally similar to ALT yet it levels do not increase as much in response to liver dysfunction.
- AST is more specific for the detection of cardiovascular disease.
- AST levels in the blood typically increase within 12 hours of cellular damage and remain elevated for about 5 days.
Patient Preparation
Fasting is not required for this test.
- Factors which can cause increased levels:
- exercise.
- Drugs: antihypertensives, cholinergic agents, coumarin-type anticoagulants, digitalis preparations, erythromycin, isoniazid, methyldopa, oral contraceptives, opiates, salicylates, hepatotoxic medications, and verapamil.
- Factors which can cause decreased levels:
- pregnancy, pyridoxine deficiency, severe long-standing liver disease, uremia, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Clinical Implications
Ranges:' The following are the reference ranges for this lab. However, lab ranges can vary by laboratory and country. [2]
Standard U.S. Units (U/L) | Standard International Units (U/L) | |
---|---|---|
Conventional Laboratory Range | 0 - 40 | 0 - 40 |
Optimal Range | 10 - 30 | 10 - 30 |
Alarm Ranges | > 100 | > 100 |
High levels indicate:
- Myocardial Infarction
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Coronary artery insufficiency
- Cardiac operations
- Angioplasty
- Liver Diseases
- Skeletal Muscle Disease
- Skeletal muscle trauma, such as extreme exercise or weight training
- Recent surgery
- Multiple traumas
- Severe, deep burns
- Progressive muscular dystrophy
- Recent convulsions
- Heat stroke
- Primary muscle diseases, such as myopathy or myositis
- Other Diseases
Low levels indicate
- Acute renal disease
- Vitamin B6 deficiency
- Protein deficiency
- Beriberi
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Pregnancy
- Chronic renal dialysis
Associated Tests
- Creatine Kinase (CK), ALT, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Leucine Aminopeptidase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Bilirubin, Liver Function Tests, Albumin, Total Protein
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.